With spring training just a week away and pitchers and catchers set to report to Clearwater, the Philadelphia Phillies are heading into camp with a roster that already feels mostly locked in. But don’t be fooled-this front office isn’t done thinking, and if the right deal comes across Dave Dombrowski’s desk, he’s not the type to let it sit there.
One name that’s quietly drawing interest as teams finalize their rosters? Edmundo Sosa.
The versatile infielder has been a Swiss Army knife for the Phillies since arriving in a 2022 trade with the St. Louis Cardinals, and now, according to reports, he might be catching the eye of the New York Yankees.
Why the Yankees Could Come Calling
The Yankees are still hunting for right-handed bats, and Sosa fits that mold in a big way. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t make headlines every night, but ask anyone in the Phillies clubhouse and they’ll tell you-he makes winning easier.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post recently listed Sosa as a top target for New York, praising his ability to play all over the diamond and punish left-handed pitching. That’s exactly the kind of depth piece contenders crave come October.
Sherman described Sosa as the “10th man” every contender wants-a guy who’s not just talented, but smart, adaptable, and always ready. And that’s exactly how the Phillies have used him. Whether it’s stepping in for an injured Trea Turner or making a surprise appearance in the outfield, Sosa has become one of manager Rob Thomson’s most trusted options off the bench.
A Glimpse at the Numbers
In 308 games with Philadelphia, Sosa has slashed .264/.755 with a 105 OPS+. That’s solid production, especially for someone who’s rarely guaranteed everyday playing time. Last season, he hit .276 with a .777 OPS (109 OPS+) in 243 at-bats-numbers that reflect his ability to stay ready and contribute when called upon.
And let’s not forget the pop. Sosa made headlines last September with a three-homer game as part of a franchise-record eight-homer night for the Phillies. That kind of performance isn’t an everyday occurrence, but it’s a reminder of the impact he can have when he’s locked in.
Why the Phillies Might Listen
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Sosa is entering his final year before free agency. That alone doesn’t mean he’s on the trade block, but it does open the door for conversations-especially if the Phillies can address other areas of need in the process.
And yes, the Phillies do have needs. Rotation depth is a concern, especially with Zack Wheeler’s Opening Day status still uncertain.
Beyond the top arms, the Triple-A options include Jean Cabrera, Yoniel Curet, Alan Rangel, Bryse Wilson, and lefty Tucker Davidson. There’s potential there, but not a ton of proven reliability.
With Taijuan Walker and top prospect Andrew Painter rounding out the rotation picture, the Phillies could use another steady arm. If the Yankees-or any other team-were to offer the right pitcher in return, it’s not out of the question that Dombrowski and GM Preston Mattingly would consider moving Sosa.
The Bottom Line
Trading Sosa wouldn’t be easy. He’s been a glue guy for this roster, someone who’s stepped up time and again in big moments. But the Phillies are in win-now mode, and every decision this front office makes will be about maximizing their chances in October.
If a deal helps the team get better-whether that’s in the rotation, the outfield, or somewhere else-they’ll make the move. Until then, Sosa remains exactly what he’s been since he got to Philly: a trusted, productive, and quietly essential piece of a team with championship aspirations.