The Philadelphia Phillies are going through a rough stretch—and now a new report suggests they’re preparing to take an aggressive approach ahead of the trade deadline, with plans to pursue both outfield help and bullpen reinforcements.
The report surfaced just before the Phillies were swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates in yet another disastrous road series. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale identified the Phillies as one of the MLB teams expected to be most active at the deadline.
“The Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres are expected to be the most aggressive teams at the trade deadline. The Phillies will be looking for a center fielder and bullpen help,” Nightengale reported.
Why are the Phillies eyeing a center fielder?
Center field has been a point of confusion for Philadelphia. Johan Rojas performed well while Brandon Marsh was sidelined with an injury, but once Marsh returned, the team gave him the spot back. Since then, Marsh has drawn criticism for a drop in production.
Rojas, despite limited opportunities this season, is hitting a solid .245. Meanwhile, Marsh has fallen to a .216 average and has just four hits in his last 16 at-bats across eight games.
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Bullpen needs show as struggles mount
Just a week and a half ago, the Phillies’ bullpen seemed to be holding strong. Jordan Romano was effective, and the relief corps looked sharp. But the recent collapse—triggered in part by back-to-back blowout losses in Jesús Luzardo’s starts (12 ER vs. Brewers, 8 ER vs. Blue Jays)—has exposed a real need for more stability in high-pressure situations when starters falter.
