The Phillies feel like they’re stuck. They’ve got an old, expensive roster that could very well make the playoffs again in 2027, but it would be tough to consider them actual World Series contenders.
The main problem is that the team had three good hitters in the lineup all season: Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and first half Brandon Marsh/second half Alec Bohm. Even if the team wants to assume that Trea Turner can bounce back – and they really have no choice but to hope that – they’re still at least
one good hitter short.
It doesn’t look like much help is coming from the minor leagues any time soon. It would be nice to think Aidan Miller can be a contributor at some point next season, but coming off what was essentially a lost season due to a back injury, anything they get from him should be considered a bonus.
Free agency doesn’t look to offer many solutions. Randy Arozarena will likely be tied to the Phillies, but he’s coming off a career best season at age 31, and there’s a decent likelihood that whoever signs him will regret it a few years into the deal. Their best hope of improving the lineup might be if they can land a Japanese player who could bolster the lineup the way Kaz Okamoto and Munetaka Murakami did for the Blue Jays and White Sox this year. But considering how badly they’ve struck out with past Japanese imports, its hard to have much optimism on that front.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. So here’s an outside the box potential solution: Trade Andrew Painter (and likely others) for a good hitter.
I want to make it clear that I am not endorsing this plan of action, only pointing out creative ways for the Phillies to improve their offense. Will that stop people from becoming outraged? Of course not!
The Phillies’ rotation is clearly their biggest strength. They have three pitchers in Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez, and Jesus Luzardo who would be the ace on a lot of staffs. Aaron Nola is not going anywhere for a while, and the Phillies have to hope that he can replicate his second half performance next year. Assuming Painter can build off his rookie season, that shapes up to be one of the best rotations in baseball next year.
But with the lineup desperately needing help, it might be wise to deal from that position of strength.
After his late season improvement and strong showing in the playoffs, Painter’s value is as high as its been since he injured his elbow in spring of 2023. If a team was inclined to trade away a star hitter, it’s very likely they would want a package centered around a young, cost-controlled pitcher with front-of-the-rotation potential who could contribute immediately. Painter would certainly seem to fit that bill.
With the caveat that I don’t know what else the Phillies would have to include in a deal for any of them, here are some of the players who might be available on the trade market:
If the Phillies want to move Turner to the outfield, there are multiple good shortstops who will be the subject of trade rumors: Elly De La Cruz, Zack Neto, Jeremy Pena, and CJ Abrams (although Abrams’ future is likely also in the outfield). As for outfielders, Jarren Duran, Steven Kwan, and Denzel Clarke are possibilities. Or, if the Phillies are okay with J.T. Realmuto being an expensive backup for a couple of years, William Contreras and Hunter Goodman might be options to get some actual offensive out of the catcher position.
If Painter was to be traded, the Phillies would then need to sign a fifth starter in free agency. Fortunately, unlike the hitter market, there should be plenty of good options available. They also might find it easier to sign a sixth starter who would find the Phillies’ situation more palatable if the starting rotation didn’t appear to be set in stone.
And hey, if John Middleton really wants another trophy and isn’t worried about spending “stupid money,” they could always go after Tarik Skubal and try to recreate the Four Aces rotation!
Is any of this likely to happen? No. Teams generally don’t trade away young pitchers that they think have All-Star potential. But if the Phillies want to get out of the edge of contention box they currently find themselves in, it might be time to try some outside of the box thinking.
