The 2021 MLB season is now in full swing, we are now witnessing how this season could shape up as some teams are heating up and others are struggling. The trade deadline is one of the most exciting times of the season as teams look to make big moves to help their team take it to the next level, or could benefit the franchises in the long haul.
This article will be discussing some potential Phillies trade partners that could occur around the deadline. As of May 18, 2021, they are second in the NL East and are right behind the New York Mets for the lead in the division. In a close race for first, the Phillies have to be aggressive at the deadline.
Potential Phillies Trade Partners: Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers are a team that I believe could be sellers this offseason. The Rangers are in this sort of limbo position, they haven’t really done much since 2016, which is the last time they made the playoffs. They haven’t gone into a full overhaul yet and the best they’ve done in the standings since then is third place in the division. This may be the time where the Rangers try to scrap everything and go into a full rebuild mode. This is where the Phillies can make a move.
If the Phillies want to go all-in on winning the division and potentially going to the playoffs this year, Texas could be a good match. The Phillies centerfield position has been one of the biggest question marks on the team. They could make a splash at the deadline and attempt to take someone like Joey Gallo. Someone who is experienced in the outfield and can bring a big-time power bat to the city of brotherly love.
Another name from the Rangers is Ian Kennedy. Kennedy has put up some nice numbers in the Rangers bullpen, so if the Phillies are maybe looking to add another closer or maybe even a setup pitcher, Ian Kennedy is a name to keep your eye on. Another pitcher from the Rangers is also Kyle Gibson, who is a starting pitcher for Texas and has also put up some solid numbers this season, going 3-0 with a 2.28 ERA. The Phillies rotation after Nola, Wheeler, and Eflin is in question so Gibson could be a solid addition.
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles could be another potential Phillies trade partner. They are a team that has had a lot of struggles as of recent and their timetable to start competing in the stacked American League East is very much in question. The Phillies could look to the Orioles for some support moving forward. One big name that the Orioles could offer is starting pitcher John Means. Means has been on fire this season and even threw a no-hitter. The Phillies lack in left-handed starting pitching so Means could be a necessary addition to the Phillies roster.
Another name to keep an eye on is Matt Harvey. Harvey has been putting up solid numbers in Baltimore and could be a nice addition to the Phillies rotation. This season he has a record of 3-3 with a 4.81 ERA. These numbers don’t exactly amaze someone however, his ERA really is that high because in his most recent start he allowed 7 earned runs to the New York Mets. Other than that one bad game, Harvey has been pitching pretty well this season for the Orioles and could be dealt with at the deadline.
Colorado Rockies
Another potential Phillies trade partner is the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies are a team that seems to be raring for an overhaul. This past offseason they traded away All-Star third baseman, Nolan Arenado to the St. Louis Cardinals. Supposedly, they aren’t done trading away players. This is why they are one of the potential Phillies trade partners.
There is some news that is buzzing that the Rockies are looking to trade All-Star shortstop Trevor Story. Story, who is one of, if not the best, a shortstop in baseball could have a lot of trade value as being one of the best shortstops in the game. The Phillies could keep their eye on Story and potentially sign him to a long-term deal at the end of the season.
Other players the Phillies could target are Jon Gray and Raimel Tapia. Gray has had a solid season for the Rockies thus far, he has posted a 4-4 record with a 3.48 ERA, which is pretty good, the Phillies would need any starting pitching upgrade over Chase Anderson and Matt Moore, and it wouldn’t take much for the Phillies to get Gray. In addition, Tapia could be a player that could fit right in the Phillies lineup, as previously stated the Phillies have a very questionable centerfield position so adding someone like Tapia who brings a solid bat and good speed can be a perfect fit in Philadelphia.
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