The Philadelphia Phillies have been slumping as of late but are tied with the New York Mets for first place in the National League East.
Philadelphia is in position to have a playoff run, but the team isn’t as strong as it has been in recent years.
They have a glaring outfield problem, with their left fielders providing little offensive support. The bullpen could also use an upgrade or two.
With this in mind, the Phillies have an outstanding pitching prospect who could potentially be on the move.
Jim Bowden, former Major League Baseball executive and current writer for The Athletic, answered 25 trade deadline questions just three weeks away from the deadline.
One person asked what a possible return for right-hander Mick Abel would be and if Bowden thinks they should consider trading him.
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“The only way the Phillies should trade Abel is if they can acquire what they believe is the missing piece to winning a world championship this year,” wrote Bowden. “In other words, for example, if they could pry both Emmanuel Clase and Steven Kwan from the Guardians and Abel had to be part of the package to get the trade done, then it would make sense to deal him.”
Adding Kwan to the Phillies outfield and Clase to the bullpen would instantly give Philadelphia a leg up on the Mets.
A move this large could propel the Phillies to not only a deep playoff run, but to the World Series as well.
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