The Phillies took four out of six games from the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees last week, improving their record to 60-45 and putting them 1.5 games behind first place. The trade deadline is Thursday, July 31st at 6 pm ET, and the Phillies are in the position to make some big additions.
With the Phillies firmly in the race for the NL East and even the top seed in the National League, I expect Dave Dombrowski to be extra aggressive this week. The Phillies desperately need bullpen help, along with an outfielder.
Dave Dombrowski is aware of the current age of this team and the fact that the window is closing. The Phillies, for the first time in the Bryce Harper era, have multiple prospects they could move on from to get big talent. At the same time, I don’t want them to give up Aidan Miller, Andrew Painter, or Justin Crawford. I think all three are too good of prospects to part with for anyone that’s currently available.
Bullpen Help
Out of those available, the ones who entice me the most are Johan Duran of the Minnesota Twins and David Bednard of the Pittsburgh Pirates. I think the Phillies could get any of these guys without giving up too much prospect-wise. Duran has been a great closer for the Twins, posting a 1.90 ERA and 16 saves this season. I think Duran could be a key asset, especially in the postseason for the Phillies, just like David Bednar. A two-time All-Star, Bednar has a 2.19 ERA this year and also has 16 saves. If the Phillies could land one of these arms, it would be a massive boost to the bullpen.
More Bats
In terms of position players, the Phillies need outfield help. A cheaper option who I think would thrive with a change of scenery would be Luis Robert. Robert has spent his entire career with the White Sox, which already sounds dreadful. Robert had high expectations when he entered the league, but he has battled injuries and posted inconsistent numbers throughout his career. Robert is batting .206 this year with 10 homers in 84 games. A change of scenery, especially going to a competitive ball club, could revitalize Robert’s career just as the Brewers did for Andrew Vaughn over the last few weeks.
The Phillies have also been linked to Diamondbacks third basemen Eugenio Suárez, who would be a huge swing for Dombrowski to take. Suarez would be the most expensive trade piece the Phillies have acquired at the deadline during Dombrowski’s tenure in Philadelphia. It wouldn’t surprise me if he made the move when he has the pieces. If they do acquire Suárez, I assume one of Miller, Painter, or Crawford would be gone. However, getting a big bat like Suarez has its benefits. Suarez is batting .249 with 36 homers on the season. Having a lineup with both Schwarber and Suarez would include two of the top home run hitters in the NL this season. It would certainly mean the Phillies are going all in for a World Series this year.
Upcoming Week
The Phillies open up the week Monday in Chicago, taking on the White Sox (38-68) for a three-game series. An off day on Thursday gives them time to travel home for a three-game weekend series against the Detroit Tigers (61-46), one of the AL’s top teams who have been struggling lately. The Phillies should be able to take 4/6 games again this week and win another two series. I would love to see a sweep of the White Sox.
Weekly Predictions: JT Realmuto has found his swing again, and he stays hot while Bryson Stott uses his newly found dad strength to give him two homers during the week.
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