The Phillies are doing what contenders do this time of year: keeping a close eye on the market and checking out players who could fit before the trade deadline.
According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, Philadelphia was one of two teams - along with the Seattle Mariners - to send scouts to Monday’s Giants game against the Kansas City Royals. The focus wasn’t just on one player, either. Scouts also watched utilityman Casey Schmitt.
One obvious name for the Phillies is Heliot Ramos, a right-handed hitting outfielder who has drawn reported interest from Philadelphia. Ramos helped himself Monday by launching a solo home run off Michael Wacha, extending a strong run since coming off the injured list.
For the season, Ramos is hitting .276/.310/.469 with nine home runs and 30 RBIs. He also remains under team control for a while, since he doesn’t reach free agency until after the 2029 season.
That doesn’t mean a deal is simple. As Charlie Wright of MLB Trade Rumors noted, "Parting with Ramos isn’t a foregone conclusion, as he won’t reach arbitration until next season. He’s been an above-average hitter since emerging as a full-time player in 2024."
Wright also pointed to the defensive split that makes Ramos an interesting but imperfect fit: "Ramos was miserable in center field two years ago (-15 Defensive Runs Saved) and hasn’t played there since then," Wright added. "He’s been subpar in left field over the past two seasons (-9 DRS), while grading out as a positive defender in right field (3 DRS)."
Schmitt brings a different kind of appeal. The 27-year-old has 19 home runs and a .786 OPS, and he can handle any of the four infield spots. That kind of flexibility matters for a Phillies club trying to squeeze every bit of value out of its roster.
Philadelphia is trying to take advantage of the championship window built around Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, and either player would give the lineup or the defense a little more juice. Ramos would add another bat to the outfield mix. Schmitt would give the Phillies more versatility on the dirt.
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