The Philadelphia Phillies are one of baseball’s top clubs as the MLB trade deadline approaches. While there are numerous prominent Phillies trade targets this summer, some are apparently not high on the organization’s priority list.
It’s no secret what Philadelphia need. Entering today’s MLB games, the Phillies bullpen has the 14th highest ERA (3.89) and has only gotten worse since June 1 (3.96 ERA, 16th in MLB). Meanwhile, as prolific as the Phillies’ lineup has been, outfielders have contributed significantly less.
Fortunately for the Phillies, there are numerous solutions available. While the trade market for starting pitching is thin compared to prior seasons, there are plenty of alternatives for teams looking for bullpen pitchers and outfielders. However, Philadelphia does not appear to be high on the list of top MLB trade candidates in the outfield.
It leaves Philadelphia hopeful that a team such as the San Francisco Giants (Michael Conforto) or the Tampa Bay Rays (Randy Arozarena) may opt to sell. While there are other outfielders available, few are as highly regarded as Chisholm and Rooker.
However, according to Nightengale, the Phillies are “keeping a close eye on Marlins closer Tanner Scott.” The All-Star southpaw may replace closer Jose Alvarado in the ninth inning or simply add to the Phillies’ bullpen. However, Scott is largely regarded as the greatest reliever available, and there is fierce competition for him right now, driving up the Marlins’ asking price.
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