Phillies 'willing' to change No. 5 starter trade plans to get ace-level pitcher

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Phillies 'willing' to change No. 5 starter trade plans to get ace-level pitcher originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Philadelphia Phillies need to find a way to upgrade their offense, their bullpen, and their starting rotation at the 2026 MLB trade deadline.

But, unlike the outfield and bullpen needs, the Phillies don't have to spend a fortune on a starter, as they only need a No. 5 option. However, those plans could change.

According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies could reportedly change their plan and be "willing" to spend a lot in a deal to acquire a pitcher who could start a postseason game for the Phillies instead of a depth rotation arm.

Phillies 'willing' to trade for postseason-caliber starter instead of depth No. 5 SP​

"But, of late, the Phillies have been more willing to discuss higher-caliber arms - the kind of pitcher who would be capable of starting a postseason series," Gelb reports.

This is a significant update for the Phillies, as they're now seemingly more open to acquiring a higher-end starting pitcher this summer than before.

Previously, the Phillies might've only pursued a back-end starter who could be moved back to the bullpen come the postseason, and would be fairly cheap to acquire.

But now, Gelb is reporting that Dave Dombrowski and the Phillies could be searching for a legitimate postseason-caliber starting pitcher to join Don Mattingly's rotation.

MORE: Phillies ‘would love’ to trade for Mets reliever Luke Weaver

Kevin Gausman, Robbie Ray, Freddy Peralta, Foster Griffin, Clay Holmes, and Shane Bieber were a few pitchers named by Gelb who could fit the bill.

But Tarik Skubal could be an option as well. He's not as likely due to the massive cost, but if the Tigers are sellers, Skubal could be a legitimate option for the Phillies.

Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, Joe Ryan, Sandy Alcantara, Reid Detmers, and Jose Soriano could also be trade targets, but as controllable starters who will cost more, the Phillies might pass to spend a bit less on a rental starter.

There's no guarantee the Phillies add such a high-end starter, but the door is now seemingly open to a deal for such a pitcher. This need is becoming a serious one for the Phillies, and could be their top addition this summer.

More MLB news:​

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• Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani injury update essentially ends Cy Young chances
• White Sox have strong interest in Mets’ Clay Holmes with scout attending rehab assignment
• Yankees send scouts to Cubs vs. Twins series amid trade interest in three players
• MLB execs believe Padres will trade Mason Miller at trade deadline

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