The Trade Deadline Approaches

So the Phillies are on a roll right now after having a successful June which has transferred over into the month of July. As we get further into the month, the trade deadline is rapidly approaching. The question on Phillies fans’ minds is “who can the Phils get by the trade deadline”? What piece can they get to make Red October happen?

Bullpen Help

The Bullpen has had its fair share of ups and down’s this season. Players like Jeurys Familia and Jose Alvarado are probably the highest odds to be gone by the trade deadline. I would look at a team that is struggling like the Arizona Diamondbacks. Their closer, Mark Melancon doesn’t have a great record. He is 2 and 5 with an ERA of 5.08 but he can get the job done. Another player on my radar for the bullpen is Liam Hendriks. He has a better record than Melancon with 40 save opportunities and a 2.70 ERA. He is in a real tough spot where the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Guardians. Those teams continue to dominate that division in the AL Central.

Another Big Bat with Defense

With Bryce Harper out for a significant time, who would stand-in for the MVP? According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the Phillies are interested in the Kansas City Royals outfielder Andrew Benintendi. Honestly, I think he’s a good fit in Harper’s absence. Benintendi stats don’t say a whole lot with only 3 home runs and 32 RBIs but he is on a team that looks to be one of the teams that could be grabbing a top draft pick in next year’s draft. He knows what winning is like from when he was in Boston capturing a couple of AL Pennants and a World Series Championship.

One More Starter:

The Phillies have a bunch of very good Starters but who would replace Zach Eflin and now Ranger Suárez both sidelined with Injuries? Everybody in the Phillies organization and insiders are keeping a close eye on Oakland Athletics pitcher Frankie Montas. He has a 3 and 9 Record but an ERA of 3.26. Similar to Benintendi he is also on a team that is in last place in their division but is it possible that the Phillies are one of the candidates for the young right-hander? We can all hope.

As for the Phillies are they going to buyers and make a playoff push in the coming weeks we can dream all I want but Dave Dombrowski and John Middleton will have their hands full when the trade deadline comes on August 2nd.

James Scorza

James Scorza is a Co-Host of the Pattison Ave Phanatics on Edge of Philly Sports. James attended the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. He loves Sports and Music and has an encyclopedic knowledge of all things Philadelphia Sports. He may be young but is knowledgeable beyond his years.