The Fightins are making a run for the playoffs yet again this season but the Phillies trade deadline is on August 1st and they need to make some moves if they want to bring it home this season. There are a lot of factors to consider when bringing in new players; need and personality.
I know “personality” sounds crazy but this team is built on energy in the clubhouse and changing that too much could be a serious issue with the team. We talked about it on 92.5 XTU!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yr19KA4vxDE
Phillies Trade Deadline, Who Should They Get?
Let’s first look at who they have before we talk about who they should add. The starts are J.T. Realmuto catching, Bryce Harper at first, Bryson Stott at second, Alec Bohm at third and Trea Turner rounding out the infield at shortstop. Backups for the infield, Edmundo Sosa and Josh Harrison plus Garrett Stubbs in for catcher.
Then moving to the outfield, you’ve got Brandon Marsh, Kyle Schwarber, Johan Rojas, and Nick Castellanos. Backups will be in the outfield Jake Cave and Christian Pache.
MLB Trade Deadline Rumors
The rumors are running RAMPANT right now. Where are playings going? Who are buyers and who are sellers? What that means is that certain teams will be looking to add to their roster NOW and others are looking to get some prospects to be better in the future.
The Phillies are buyers without a doubt (which is a much more fun position to be in). Who will they be looking to add? Well it’s pretty obvious that we need another first basemen to back up Bryce, another outfielder, another relief pitcher but most ideally, above all else, another starting pitcher.
I’ve broken down who I think would be the best fit for the Phillies for their return back to the World Series in 2023. They won’t be able to get ALL of these players but if they get two, maybe three, they would be a big time World Series contender.
Cody Bellinger From The Chicago Cubs
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 23: Cody Bellinger #24 of the Chicago Cubs hits a two-run home run in the first inning of the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field on July 23, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
The outfielder also plays first base, I mean, c’mon, that’s exactly what we need. It’s rumored however that the Yankees will also be after Bellinger which would be a hard team to beat out.
He is batting .319 this season with 14 homers and 44 RBIs (as of July 26th) and could add a much needed bat to the lineup and defense in the outfield.
Lucas Giolito From The Chicago White Sox
CHICAGO, IL – JULY 04: Lucas Giolito #27 of the Chicago White Sox pitches in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Guaranteed Rate Field on July 4, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
Desperate need of another starting pitcher, Lucas Giolito could fill that void for the Phillies. He is 6-6 in 21 games started with a 3.79 ERA. He’s also playing for a not very good team at the moment but his stuff is good.
Great target for the Phillies, man this would be huge.
Eduardo Rodriguez From The Detroit Tigers
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JULY 19: Eduardo Rodriguez #57 of the Detroit Tigers throws in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on July 19, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
This hard throwing lefty could add some serious depth to the starting rotation for the Phillies. He is currently with a fading Tigers team who, if they aren’t sellers, probably should be. The left-handed arm is something is very necessary to a good rotation, they could really use it.
Jordan Hicks From The St. Louis Cardinals
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 24: Relief pitcher Jordan Hicks #12 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the MLB game at Chase Field on July 24, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Diamondbacks 10-6. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Hicks has only a 1.91 ERA in 26 appearances this season, which is insane. This reliever could add something missing to the bullpen for the Phillies, consistency. According to MLB.com, here’s more on him.
Hicks ranks in the top 10 percent in average exit velocity, strikeout percentage, barrel percentage and xSLG this season.
Jordan Montgomery From The St. Louis Cardinals
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 07: Starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery #47 of the St. Louis Cardinals throws a pitch in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on July 07, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Another option from the faltering St. Louis Cardinals who have already said they are going to be sellers at the trade deadline. The lefty is a big arm needed in our rotation like, yesterday!
He has pitched a 3.27 ERA in 31 starts since he joined St. Louis a year ago.
Shohei Ohtani From The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JULY 23: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels celebrates with teammates after hitting a solo home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 23, 2023 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Hear me out, I know. He’s the greatest player since Ruth. He plays both ways, pitching and batting. He’s everything the Phillies need and more and will be a free agent at the end of this season.
Even though I firmly believe that the Angels won’t end up trading him at all before the deadline, it sure is fun to hope and pray. He would add an arm to the rotation and a bat to a lineup that is lacking in power this year.
It doesn’t look like Ohtani wants to leave the west coast for the most part but I could be wrong!
