Phillies Urged to Avoid Trade Deadline Mistake Amid Dire Outfield Need
· Yahoo Sports
The Philadelphia Phillies are heading towards the 2026 MLB trade deadline with a plan to pursue help in the starting rotation, the bullpen, and their offense.
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But which positions should take priority for the Phillies? While the No. 5 spot in the rotation is a huge issue, and the late-inning bullpen is a big question mark, the offense is really something that cannot be ignored.
Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller urged the Phillies to avoid making a mistake at this year's deadline by not addressing their outfield need. Miller is urging Philadelphia not to balk at the price of outfield trade targets amid their dire need for the position.
"Mistake to Avoid: Balking at outfield upgrades," Miller writes. "... The Phillies could also use a starting pitcher and probably a couple of relievers, but they need to do something about this outfield, ideally by adding multiple options."
This outfield for the Phillies has become a massive issue. Since Brandon Marsh has regressed, playing like a shell of his first-half self, the Phillies' outfield has a case as the worst in baseball.
Justin Crawford isn't an impact player, and while Derek Hill has provided some value, as has Bryan De La Cruz, there is serious doubt about this outfield.
The Phillies must address this outfield need at the trade deadline, pursuing upgrades. Jo Adell, Taylor Ward, Heliot Ramos, and Daulton Varsho are a few names that would be a big help to the Phillies this season.
There are plenty of other outfield trade targets this summer, ranging from impact players to platoon options. While the price might be a bit high in a seller’s market, the Phillies have to act now, otherwise, they risk potentially missing the postseason with a weak offense.
Regardless of who the Phillies wind up pursuing, or who becomes available for trade, they have to add to their outfield. If this outfield isn’t addressed by the August 3 trade deadline, it would be a colossal mistake for Philadelphia this season.
If they don't make such additions, it would be a massive mistake that could cost them in the long-run. Miller is urging the Phillies to avoid making a major mistake by not trading for outfield help. Dave Dombrowski must be active and add an outfielder this summer.