The MLB trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and according to Jim Salisbury, the Phillies are still looking to add some pieces. They have until Monday to do so. Let's take a look at what's on the market that the Phillies would be interested in:
Mike Clevinger
He is on every trade list right now for teams that need pitching, and while the Phillies starting rotation has solidified, no one says no to a great arm. Here is what Jeff Passan had to say about the Indians situation:
Trading the 29-year-old Clevinger would epitomize risk. He's an elite starter with at least two more years of team control -- three if the team keeps him on option for 20 or more days. Cleveland also desperately needs a quality outfielder. Over 334 plate appearances this season, its outfielders are hitting a collective .166/.273/.249. That is pitcher-quality offense among a group of position players.
Clevinger was recalled to the big leagues earlier this week, so the Indians have two more years of control of the right hander. Outside of Harper, the Phillies outfield production has been dismal. Still, with Kingery's flexibility between infield and outfield, maybe they would be willing to part with Adam Haseley.
Speaking of outfielders….
Starling Marte
The Phillies were linked to the Diamondbacks veteran earlier this week as a "possible suitor". It's an interesting addition for the Phillies, who have employed a rotation of guys in left and center field, with the majority of reps going to Andrew McCutchen in left and Roman Quinn in center.
Marte would be a significant upgrade. The long-time Pirate is slashing .318/.397/.464 in his age 31 season. He is currently due $12.5 million in 2021 which might be too steep a price tag, but there is no question Marte's bat would be a great add to an already solid lineup.
Josh Staumont
Let's talk Phillies bullpen for a moment. First, they added Brandon Workman, Health Hembree and David Hale, the former two who have pitched relatively well outside of Workman's debut. Ranger Suarez is due back in the near future. And while the band aids are helping the bleeding, the bullpen is still terrible, with a league-worst 7.52 ERA.
Staumont, meanwhile, is emerging as one of the best relievers in the game. The 26-year-old has fanned 25 batters in under 13 innings, has a miniscule ERA, and averages a 99mph fastball. This is exactly the kind of arm that anchors a bullpen, and the Phillies would be wise to trade for him.
If not Staumont, the Royals have a litany of young arms like Scott Barlow and, on a cheaper bargain, lefty-specialist Richard Lovelady.