The Philadelphia Phillies are facing a critical juncture if they hope to make a serious run at the World Series. With the trade deadline looming, the team has some serious decisions to make, particularly as they grapple with an underpowered offense, a shaky back end of the rotation, and a bullpen that hasn't quite lived up to expectations.
Phillies president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, finds himself in a tight spot, with limited assets to trade and a roster filled with underperforming players. Let's break down the challenges and potential moves the Phillies could consider.
Brad Keller: A Key Piece in the Bullpen Puzzle
Brad Keller was brought in this past winter on a two-year deal worth $22 million, with hopes that he would be a reliable bridge to their elite closer, Jhoan Duran. Keller, fresh off a stellar 2025 season with the Cubs, was expected to be a lockdown setup man.
However, his performance has been shaky, to say the least. With a 4.15 ERA over 31 games, Keller has struggled, allowing 29 hits and 12 walks.
Currently sidelined with right forearm tendinitis, Keller's return and performance could dictate whether Dombrowski needs to seek out a more dependable arm for the eighth inning.
Gabriel Rincones Jr.: A Prospect Thrust into the Spotlight
Gabriel Rincones Jr., a promising prospect, has been thrust into a challenging situation. Known for his prowess in the minors, Rincones was seen as a future asset in right field.
But with the Phillies' outfield plans unraveling-Brandon Marsh thriving in left, while rookie Justin Crawford and injured Adolis García struggle-Rincones has been called up sooner than expected. His early major league struggles, with just three hits in 24 plate appearances, highlight the need for Dombrowski to possibly seek outfield reinforcements if Rincones isn't quite ready for a full-time role.
Aaron Nola: From Ace to a Question Mark
Aaron Nola's decline has been a tough pill to swallow for the Phillies. Once the ace of their rotation, Nola has struggled mightily, posting a 5.71 ERA over 75 ⅔ innings this season.
This follows a rough 2025 campaign and comes after signing a hefty seven-year, $172 million contract. With Nola now fourth in the rotation, the Phillies have a glaring need at the back end, especially after the disappointing stint from rookie Andrew Painter.
Dombrowski may need to prioritize acquiring a reliable starter who can handle postseason pressure.
José Alvarado: The Lefty Reliever Dilemma
The Phillies entered the season with what seemed like a surplus of left-handed relievers, including José Alvarado, Tanner Banks, and Kyle Backhus. However, things haven't gone as planned.
Alvarado, in particular, has struggled, with a 6.33 ERA over 27 innings, making him a liability late in games. While Tim Mayza has emerged as a reliable option, the Phillies might need to consider bringing in another left-handed arm if Alvarado can't regain his form.
Trea Turner: A Fixture Facing Challenges
Trea Turner, the Phillies' high-priced shortstop, isn't going anywhere soon, given his massive eleven-year, $300 million contract. But his performance this season has been underwhelming, with a .226/.278/.331 line.
Turner's struggles have left the Phillies searching for answers at the top of the lineup. They may need to explore moving Kyle Schwarber up permanently or bringing in an external option to fill the leadoff role Turner was expected to excel in.
In summary, the Phillies are at a crossroads as the trade deadline approaches. With several key players underperforming, Dave Dombrowski faces the challenge of making strategic moves to bolster the team's chances of contending for a championship. Whether it's shoring up the bullpen, reinforcing the outfield, or finding a reliable starter, the decisions made in the coming weeks could define the Phillies' season.
In Other News...
Phillies Fans Just Got A Bryce Harper All-Star Gut Punch
The first round of All-Star voting brought plenty of good news for the Phillies, with Brandon Marsh piling up more than two million votes and landing second among National League outfielders. Bryson Stott and Alec Bohm also finished second at their positions, keeping their chances alive to start the All-Star Game and giving Philadelphia a real presence in the early returns.
Bryce Harper was the notable exception, even if he still appears headed for the roster when selections are finalized. For a team hoping to make this summer showcase feel like a home-field celebration in Philadelphia, Harper falling short of the next round leaves a little sting, especially with so many of his teammates still in the mix. [Read more 🡒]
Orioles Could Flip A Major Offseason Addition If July Unravels
The Orioles are still hanging around the postseason picture, but July could end up deciding whether they stay in the race or start listening to offers. One player to watch is Taylor Ward, whose arrival has been a meaningful addition for Baltimore and whose profile fits the kind of move contenders circle once a front office decides it needs to protect some value.
MLB.coms Thomas Harrigan notes that Ward could be on the move if Baltimore cannot build momentum this month, a possibility tied to the reality of a looming free-agent departure. For a Phillies club that always keeps an eye on available outfield help, this is the sort of name that could surface quickly if the Orioles slip and shift from buyer to seller. [Read more 🡒]
Phillies Could Make A Deadline Swing That Ends The Bohm Debate
The Phillies have been searching for a steadier answer at third base, and the conversation around Alec Bohm has only sharpened as the deadline draws closer. Bohm has been through a slow start this season before showing signs of life more recently, but the position remains one of the clearest places Philadelphia could look to upgrade if it wants a more dependable bat and glove for the stretch run.
Jon Heymans latest note suggests the front office could explore a bigger swing if the right opportunity presents itself, with the market shaped by both performance and price. Philadelphia also has to weigh its internal options, including Aidan Miller, though his back injury has kept him sidelined all year, which leaves the club with a familiar deadline question: stand pat and hope Bohm keeps trending up, or try to settle the spot before October becomes the focus. [Read more 🡒]