The Philadelphia Phillies made their first major splash ahead of the July 31 MLB Trade Deadline, acquiring reliever David Robertson in a move signaling their commitment to a deep postseason run. But fans and front offices alike know: more is coming.
The Phillies are in win-now mode, and their roster reflects both urgency and imperfection. With aging stars, underperforming offseason signings, and critical injuries mounting, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski finds himself balancing high expectations with long-term strategy.
“We will do what we can to try to make [the team] better,” Dombrowski said according to MLB.com, sending a clear message of his intentions amid one of the most pivotal trade windows of his tenure in Philadelphia.
Pressure to win, but not panic
The Phillies remain active in the trade market, especially in their pursuit of bullpen help and a middle-of-the-order bat. Despite external perceptions that their championship window may be closing, Dombrowski offered a confident rebuttal to that narrative.
Philadelphia Phillies making strategic moves ahead of the MLB trade deadline to boost playoff chances. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
“Somebody from another organization said, ‘I’ve never heard that statement more for an organization that also has really good pitching, some really good players and six players that rank in the Top 100 prospects in Major League Baseball,’” Dombrowski said. “I do think that we can keep having a good club for years to come.”
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That group of elite prospects — Andrew Painter, Aidan Miller, Justin Crawford, Eduardo Tait, Mick Abel, and Aroon Escobar — remains both an asset and a temptation. It’s expected that some will be moved, but Painter is considered untouchable.
Navigating setbacks and solutions
Despite preseason optimism, several Phillies acquisitions have disappointed. Jordan Romano (6.88 ERA), Max Kepler (.660 OPS), and Joe Ross (5.28 ERA) have fallen short. Add to that the 80-game suspension of José Alvarado for PEDs and Alec Bohm’s fractured rib, and the Phillies’ postseason hopes face serious tests.
Still, Dombrowski remained firm in his belief that internal improvement must accompany trade additions. “It’s been hot and cold,” he said of the offense. “Some of that fix has to come internal. You’re not going to go out and make a bunch of trades.”
Prospect timelines and strategic patience
Top prospects like Crawford and Painter could debut this season — but Dombrowski insists their call-ups depend on timing and opportunity, not desperation. “We just haven’t had the right time to do it yet,” he said of Crawford. “If he’s going to come here, we need him to be able to play the majority of the time.”
On Painter, Dombrowski added: “He is ready to join the rotation if we have the need and if he is throwing well at that time. He isn’t guaranteed a spot … We’ll just play it by ear.”
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With the Phillies atop the NL East, the team has leverage — but also expectations. Dombrowski knows it. “We’re in first place, we have a chance to make the postseason and that’s what you hope will happen,” he said. “But, like any club, we can get better in certain spots.”
