The Philadelphia Phillies will be a strong playoff contender yet again, but the team has flaws that need to be addressed by the trade deadline at the end of the month.
At 50-35, the Phillies hold a two-game lead over the New York Mets for first place in the National League Central.
Though Philadelphia has a lot of firepower in Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner and Bryce Harper, their outfield and bullpen situations need to be dealt with.
Zachary Rotman of FanSided named the ideal trade partner for four contenders, including the Phillies. According to Rotman, the Baltimore Orioles have a lot to offer Philadelphia if they decide to sell.
“The Phillies could use an upgrade in their outfield, and Cedric Mullins would give them that. Admittedly, he's had a horrific month of June, but he's always been a streaky hitter,” wrote Rotman. “A change of scenery, going from a last-place team to a first-place team, could help him get going again.”
Mullins, 30, doesn’t have the best slash line but leads the Orioles in home runs and RBI this season. Mullins has 12 home runs and 39 RBI while slashing just .212/.293/.408 in 68 games.
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However, the 2021 All-Star would be an offensive upgrade over Max Kepler and Brandon Marsh.
“In addition to their need in the outfield, the Phillies desperately need some bullpen help,” said Rotman. “The odds of them re-acquiring one of Seranthony Dominguez or Gregory Soto are probably low, but the Orioles have Felix Bautista, Keegan Akin, and Bryan Baker to dangle.”
The Phillies rank 25th in Major League Baseball with a bullpen ERA of 4.54. Philadelphia lost a key piece to their bullpen when Jose Alvarado got suspended 80 games and for the postseason after violating MLB’s drug policy.
If the Phillies want to make a deep postseason run, adding an outfielder and reliever is crucial.
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