The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to be active before the trade deadline, as they currently sit just above a .500 record and 1.5 games out of a wild-card spot. While this marks an improvement from their dismal standing on May 1 when they ranked among the worst teams in the National League they still need upgrades despite recent better play. Their most pressing issue is offense: averaging only 3.90 runs per game, they are tied for the third-lowest figure in MLB, with the outfield being a particular weakness.
Consequently, Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller predicts the Phillies will land the top available outfielder on the trade market, naming four potential targets: Byron Buxton, Mike Trout, Riley Greene, and Jarren Duran. Trout would be the biggest name, but insiders like Bob Nightengale of USA Today are skeptical the Los Angeles Angels will move him this summer. If Trout stays put, Buxton could be the next-best option, given his elite hitting and defense (including a Platinum Glove and a Silver Slugger). However, Buxton’s career has been plagued by injuries he has surpassed 102 games in a season only twice and the Minnesota Twins are still in the AL wild-card race, making a trade uncertain.
Alternatively, dealing with the Detroit Tigers for Greene or the Boston Red Sox for Duran might be easier. The Tigers have the league’s worst record and could sell, though trading Greene, who is under team control until 2029, would be surprising. Duran may be the most attainable target, as Boston is underperforming and has a crowded outfield, potentially allowing the Phillies to acquire him for less.
If Philadelphia does add an outfielder, it would likely spell trouble for current right fielder Adolis García, who is batting just .191/.274/.296 this season and is a free agent in 2027. Despite already having the fourth-highest payroll in baseball, the Phillies recognize the need for a major move to stay competitive in the postseason race.
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