The Philadelphia Phillies are currently in possession of the second National League Wild Card spot. They also are just a half-game back of the New York Mets in the NL East.
They will likely be aggressive buyers at the trade deadline. They need help with their bullpen.
However, that isn't the only area that needs work for Philadelphia. They could use a bat too, and Bryce Harper has even said he is willing to move back to the outfield to accommodate a corner infield bat.
John Denton of MLB.com notes that the Philadelphia Phillies are in on St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley. However, he also notes that Nolan Arenado could be in play.
"If the Phillies win the battle for Helsley, could the deal be a combination package that also includes Arenado? Of course, the 10-time Gold Glover would have to approve such a deal, but that transaction would certainly satisfy his wish to play for a championship contender. Superstar slugger Bryce Harper has reportedly let it be known in Philadelphia that he would gladly switch back to the outfield if the Phillies acquire another corner infielder that makes them more potent," Denton wrote.
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Arenado has not had a strong season at the plate. The veteran third baseman is hitting just .235/.295/.367 with 10 home runs, 43 RBI and a .662 OPS.
However, if the Phillies want to add a bat, he might benefit from a change of scenery. St. Louis is selling and by all accounts are out of the race, while the Phillies have a legitimate shot at a World Series title.
Despite his offensive struggles, Arenado has performed well defensively and is still one of the top defensive third basemen in Major League Baseball. He could still add plenty of value to a contending team.
Of course, he has a no-trade clause and ultimately has the final say on if he will be traded. Still, the Phillies were one of the teams on his list last offseason.
It will be interesting to see if he accepts a trade with St. Louis out of contention.
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