Phillies Among Top Landing Spots for All-Star Outfielders
As the trade deadline draws near, the Philadelphia Phillies, who lead the National League, are anticipated to be “all over the outfield market.” Despite having a good offence, Philadelphia’s outfield productivity is low. Even though outfielder Brandon Marsh made his way back from the disabled list on Saturday, the Phillies are anticipated to make trades ahead of schedule, with an emphasis on adding outfielders.
Throughout the season, Philly has rotated between four outfielders: Nick Castellanos, Cristian Pache, Johan Rojas, and Marsh. However, Dave Dombrowski is looking into other options because Rojas is having a rough year at the plate and Castellanos is having a poor year.
“I’ve had three general managers tell me this week that the Phillies’ #1 priority is the outfield,” MLB insider Jim Bowden stated earlier this month.
Numerous outfielders anticipated to be traded this year have been connected to Philadelphia. However, MLB insiders think the Phillies are the front-runners to acquire Taylor Ward or Luis Robert Jr. through trade.
Insiders Say Phillies are Looking to Trade for Star Outfielders
Neither of the All-Star calibre outfielders will be an inexpensive addition because they both have several years of club control remaining.
Luis Robert Jr., Chicago White Sox
The rebuilding White Sox are reportedly seeking a significant trade package for their star center fielder. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported, “The White Sox would command a package greater than what the Padres gave up for Juan Soto at the 2022 deadline.”
The 26-year-old is batting .194/.270/.537 with a .808 OPS in 18 games this season. Robert was activated off the injured list on June 4th after a right hip flexor strain sidelined him in April. In his five big-league seasons, Robert has won a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger, and made last year’s All-Star Game. He is a .274/.324/.502 career hitter with 47 steals, 81 homers, 220 RBI, and a .826 OPS. Chicago signed the Cuban-born slugger to a six-year, $50 million extension in 2020 with $20 million club options for both 2026 and 2027. With three extra seasons of club control, Robert would be an ideal trade and a long-term fit for Philadelphia. Bowden reports that “the Phillies and White Sox do match up
Taylor Ward, Los Angeles Angels
According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, the Phillies could also give Angels outfielder Taylor Ward a look. The former first-round pick has been solid for the Angels throughout his seven-year career. Ward has a career slash line of .254/.333/.431 with 64 homers, 203 RBI, and an OPS+ of 110. The 30-year-old slugger is batting .243/.324/.434 with 12 homers, 36 RBI, and a .758 OPS through 68 games. He has started in all three outfield positions and could also be used as an offensive threat off the bench.
Taylor Ward, who is under team control through 2026, has the potential to play a significant role in the Phillies’ future lineup.
Phillies Linked to Several Blockbuster Trade Rumors
The Phillies are in a fortunate situation since they don’t have any urgent trade needs to make before the deadline. They have the financial means to observe how the market develops and which teams choose to sell. Philadelphia has demonstrated a readiness to trade bright prospects for “impact-type talent” in the hopes of winning a World Series.
The Phillies ought to, at minimum, look for a stronger platoonmate for Brandon Marsh, their left fielder. Luis Robert and Taylor Ward both provide the additional years of club control and “impact-type talent” that Philadelphia is looking for.
