The Philadelphia Phillies Should Target These 3 Trades Before the Deadline.
The Philadelphia Phillies are playing like a legitimate contender for the World Series thus far this season. With a 42-19 record thus far this season, they are tied for the best record in baseball with the New York Yankees.
Even though they have achieved great success thus far, they don’t appear to be slowing down. The MLB trade deadline is soon approaching on July 30, so the Phillies may try to increase their chances even further.
They are only 5-5 in their previous 10 games, despite having the greatest record in baseball (42-19, tied for the lead). They’ve been through a little rocky stretch, so they might think about making a trade or two to bolster their pitching staff or lineup.
In light of that, Philadelphia ought to target the following three trades in advance of the trade deadline.
3. Pitcher Hunter Strickland, relief
The relief market is one area that the Phillies might think about pursuing.
2. Outfielder Tyler O’Neill
The Phillies may also decide to bolster their lineup by adding more players. Consideration should be given to an attractive target such as Tyler O’Neill.
He is not the type of guy who could enter the game and drastically alter the attacking firepower. He is a fantastic depth player, though, and would offer excellent insurance in the event of an injury. Following Philadelphia’s recent outfield injury, it appears that the front management is already focusing on this position.
With 11 home runs and 17 RBIs in 41 games this season, O’Neill has a.236 batting average and has played for the Boston Red Sox. Although there aren’t particularly impressive results, they are nevertheless valuable as a benchmark.
1. Relief pitcher David Bednar
Lastly, the Phillies should take into consideration a target who has had a difficult start to the 2024 season. The Pittsburgh Pirates’ closer, David Bednar, may become available if they are eliminated from the postseason.
He has had trouble getting things rolling so far this season.
In addition to 11 saves and three missed opportunities, he has a 6.17 ERA. It’s possible that such figures reduced his trade worth to the point that Philadelphia was able to pursue him.
With 39 saves and a 2.00 ERA during the 2023 season, Bednar was one of the top closers in baseball.
Bednar could be able to turn things around and return to playing his best baseball with a contender like the Phillies.
The 29-year-old closer would be a huge boost if he is signed and can make a difference. He would be definitely worth a look ahead of the trade deadline and could immediately help Philadelphia’s late-game scenarios.