The MLB trade deadline is quickly approaching with less than three weeks left in July, and there’s a lot left to be decided. Over half of the league’s 30 teams are in a playoff spot or within a few games of a wild card spot with the second half of the season underway.
The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to be one of the most aggressive teams at the deadline. They hold the best record in baseball at 60-32 and adding a few pieces could finally put them over the top.
MLB Insider Bob Nightengale joined the Audacy Sports Podcast “Barreled Up” and talked about the Phillies’ interest in one outfielder in particular: Brent Rooker.
“I would say 90%,” Nightengale said when asked the chances that Rooker gets traded. “People would love to have him. He’s a valuable guy. I think he’s a great piece for a number of teams; great guy too. I think he’d be very valuable and I think they’ll get a decent return for Rooker.”
Rooker, 29, is a right-handed hitting outfielder who could give the Phillies another option in the corner outfield spots. He hit 30 home runs last year while batting .246 with an .817 OPS.
Through 79 games this season, Rooker has hit 18 home runs while batting .282 with a .906 OPS. He’d likely slot into the bottom half of the Phillies lineup as an additional home run threat.
“Philly’s been following him around a lot,” Nightengale continued. “The Phillies would love to have him.”
Nightengale also mentioned the Royals and Mariners as potential landing spots for the outfielder.
Rooker would be a cheap option for the Phillies in terms of salary. He’s making just $750,000 this year and is under team control through 2028.
We’ll see what Dave Dombrowski has in store for the Phillies leading up to the July 30th trade deadline.