The MLB trade deadline is just days away. Many teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies, are looking to make additions to bolster their postseason chances. As rumors have been circulating for weeks now, the Phillies have been tied to a number of outfielders to platoon with Brandon Marsh and extra bullpen help.
Everyone has their own personal wish list, and it is still far from certain as to which players the club will target. However, some speculate that the division rival Washington Nationals could be an accommodating trade partner for the Phillies.
Phillies linked to pair of Nationals, Kyle Finnegan and Lane Thomas, who would solve Phillies' problems
The Nationals entered the 2024 season as long shots to put together a good campaign. It is widely regarded that they will be sellers (subscription required) prior to the 6:00 p.m. ET deadline on July 30. As it currently stands, the Nationals have two players who would be good fits with the Phillies.
The Athletic's Matt Gelb indicated that the Phillies are showing interest (subscription required) in both the club's closer, Kyle Finnegan, and outfielder Lane Thomas. Both players would be good fits for the club.
Kyle Finnegan would be a great back-end-of-the-bullpen arm
Finnegan, 32, has been one of the most reliable closers in the league this season. Heading into Thursday's action, the Nationals closer has a 2.32 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP in 44 appearances. His 28 saves are third-best in baseball behind just Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals and Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians. He has also tied his career high in the stat category already.
The right-hander features a mixture of mainly four-seam fastballs and splitters but does mix in the occasional slider. His fastball has averaged just a tick above 97 mph on the season.
For his career, Finnegan has a 3.34 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP and is under team control through next season which would increase his value. The hard-throwing closer could slide into high-leverage roles right away should the Phillies acquire him.
Lane Thomas could help fill the outfield void
The price tag for Thomas is likely to be higher than that of Finnegan, however, his bat would be a welcome addition to the Phillies lineup. He is 28 years old and has one more arbitration year left before he can test free agency.
Thomas had his best MLB season in 2023, posting a .783 OPS and smashing 28 home runs. While his OPS is lower this year (.712), his numbers against left-handed pitchers are just what the Phillies are looking for.
On the season, the right-handed hitting outfielder is slashing .329/.414/.518 against left-handed hurlers, good for a .932 OPS. Right now, Thomas is playing every day for the Nationals. Should the Phillies acquire him, he would likely split time with Marsh in left field.
Time will tell what the Phillies decide to do at the trade deadline. It does seem increasingly likely that they will acquire a top-tier relief pitcher and some sort of right-handed outfield bat. Much of who they acquire will depend on the price of the player and how much they are willing to part with in terms of prospect capital. It should be an interesting few days to watch.