Philadelphia Phillies
Before this season even began, the Phillies were perhaps the top candidate to make some sort of panic trade this summer, given that this might be the final year of the window in which they are built to be one of the top World Series contenders. Kyle Schwarber, JT Realmuto, Ranger Suárez and others will hit free agency this winter. Trea Turner, Bryce Harper and Aaron Nola will all be entering their age-33 season in 2026. Nick Castellanos will be 34. Zack Wheeler turns 36 next May. And it's clear they know it. After three consecutive years paying a luxury tax, they increased their Opening Day payroll by another 17 percent to north of $280M, desperate to win one before the difficulty level begins to escalate considerably. Though they are presently in position for a playoff spot, things haven't gone according to plan in a few key spots, namely third base and center field. Alec Bohm's last 20 games at the hot corner have certainly gone better than the first 20, but he still has a
negative bWAR for the year and was a spot of much trade speculation since the moment the Phillies lost in last year's NLDS. There was talk of trading for Nolan Arenado or signing Alex Bregman, and they might be regretting not getting either of those deals done. As with first base, though, the pickens are looking mighty slim at third base, and both the Dodgers and Yankees might also be in that market. Whether Colorado's Ryan McMahon would even be an upgrade over Bohm is debatable, but the Phillies might push hard to make it happen. Meanwhile, in center, Brandon Marsh has gotten out to a brutal start, and Johan Rojas isn't faring much better. At least there are outfielders to be found, though, including Luis Robert Jr. and maybe Cedric Mullins. Bullpen is also a major need for the Phillies, although that's nothing new. Whether they pursue those avenues likely depends on the gaps between them and the Mets heading into the deadline. Got to think they'll be aggressive, if necessary. And maybe a little too aggressive for their own good.
