The Philadelphia Phillies are on a mission in 2025.
Coming off three straight postseason disappointments, the Phillies are hunting an elusive World Series title, which would be their first since 2008. They have the best record in the majors at 34-19, but their roster could surely use some upgrades.
The Phillies' pitching needs, particularly in the bullpen, are fairly obvious. But every team wants to put their best possible lineup on the field. Is there a chance Philadelphia has room to improve at the deadline?
One baseball writer believes the Phillies could consider bringing in another third baseman, even though they already have 2024 All-Star Alec Bohm at the position.
On Tuesday, CBS Sports' R.J. Anderson named the Phillies as a possible trade destination for Ryan McMahon, whose Colorado Rockies are flirting with the worst record in modern baseball history after a 9-45 start.
"McMahon has two years remaining on his contract, but the lowly Rockies could use the talent infusion they'd gain from moving him sooner than later. He's a plus defender and a steady (if strikeout prone) hitter who has posted an OPS+ between 90 and 99 in every season since 2021," Anderson wrote.
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"What's interesting about McMahon is that he's gained bat speed and loft this year, potentially providing him with a higher offensive capacity than what he's shown throughout his career. Potential fits: Dodgers, Phillies, Mariners."
McMahon's offensive stats might actually look better if he didn't play in Coors Field, which deflates numbers like OPS+ that factor in ballpark conditions. At a smaller yard like Citizens Bank Park, he might hit more home runs despite the lower altitude.
The issue is that McMahon's contract (six years, $70 million through the 2027 season) is a bit too lucrative to relegate him to any sort of part-time duty. If the Phillies were interested in him, that likely means they'd be willing to swap him out for Bohm.
Unlikely, to be sure, but definitely not impossible.
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