The Phillies looked a long way from buying at one point this season. Now, after the managerial switch from Rob Thomson to Don Mattingly, they’ve pushed themselves back into the conversation - and one name keeps popping up as a fit.
Philadelphia could still use help in two spots: a right-handed bat and another outfielder. That’s why CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa pointed to the Phillies as the best landing spot for Orioles outfielder Taylor Ward, one of the more intriguing rental bats available.
"[Taylor] Ward will be the most coveted rental bat on the trade market. He is well short of last year's 36-homer pace, but he's been a terrific on-base guy, plus his power could tick up away from the left field wall at Camden Yards," Axisa wrote.
Ward has only five home runs this season after blasting 36 a year ago, but his value goes beyond the long ball. His gap-to-gap approach and strong walk rate would give Philadelphia another hitter who can get on base and lengthen the lineup.
"There is a shortage of quality right-handed hitting outfielders throughout baseball right now, and there won't be many available at the deadline, and certainly none with Ward's pedigree and production," he added.
Ward is set to hit free agency after the season, which makes him a pure rental. And because of that, the price should stay manageable - likely no more than a lower-ranked prospect or two.
For Dave Dombrowski, that kind of move would make sense if it means adding an on-base threat in front of Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper.
In Other News...
Orioles Suddenly Have A Taylor Ward Problem At The Worst Time
Taylor Ward gave the Orioles exactly the kind of early boost they were hoping for, working his way on base at a strong clip and producing enough in April to look like a real middle-of-the-order fit. Since then, though, the bat has cooled, and the difference has shown up in both his power and his ability to get on base, which has made his once-promising start feel more fragile as the calendar moves toward the trade deadline.
That slide has already been noticed outside Baltimore, too. ESPNs latest trade-chip rankings have Ward slipping from 12th in the first edition to 24th now, a reminder that his market is changing along with his production. The Orioles would love to see him straighten things out over the next stretch, not just because they need the offense, but because a stronger finish would give them a much better position when the deadline conversations really start to heat up. [Read more 🡒]
Orioles Bullpen Concerns Just Grew As Another Lineup Shuffle Looms
The Orioles bullpen picture took another hit with Keegan Akin now seeking a second opinion on his left elbow, while Colin Selby remains on the 60-day injured list and Ryan Helsley is still working through treatment on his right elbow. For a club already trying to patch together innings, the latest medical updates only add to the pressure on a relief group that has been asked to absorb a lot this season.
At the same time, Baltimore is trying to manage the rest of the roster with an eye on a Cubs matchup that brings a left-handed starter into the mix. The lineup card reflects that balancing act, with the Orioles turning to several younger bats and moving pieces around as they look for the right combination, even as the bullpen uncertainty keeps hanging over the day. [Read more 🡒]