Phillies top three trade deadline needs revealed by former MLB GM

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Phillies top three trade deadline needs revealed by former MLB GM originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Philadelphia Phillies did not look like a team that would be trade deadline buyers just a few weeks ago, as they sported one of the worst records in baseball at 9-19.

But, since firing Rob Thomson and Don Mattingly's takeover, the Phillies have gone on a serious run, and are now 25-23, looking like one of the hottest teams in baseball and clear buyers at the deadline.

While Philadelphia might be ready to buy, what exactly do they need this year? Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden, for The Athletic, revealed each team's trade deadline needs and plan, and for the Phillies, three positions emerged as targets this year.

Phillies revealed to have three trade deadline targets​

"Trade deadline position: Buyers," Bodwen writes. "... They could use an upgrade at third base or right field and more quality bullpen arms."

While the trade deadline is still a few months away, the needs for this team have become quite clear. Third base, reliever, and right fielder are the top needs for the team.

For starters, Alec Bohm at third base has been a huge disappointment this season. He has been a lot better lately and has finally raised his OPS back above .600 to .604, but the team could still look for an upgrade.

Looking in the bullpen, Jhoan Duran is an incredible closer, but with Brad Keller and Jose Alvarado's inconsistencies, along with some of the depth being questionable, another solid reliever could be nice.

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Ideally, a left-handed reliever would be worth targeting, as Tanner Banks has a 5.89 ERA this season, and the lefty reliever depth isn't the best for the team.

Lastly, right field, upgrading over Adolis Garcia, would not be a bad idea either. He's hitting .214 with a .622 OPS this season, and while his defense is a nice positive, the offensive production is well below expectations.

If the Phillies could add another outfielder, ideally a right-handed hitter with much better offense, then it would be a move well-worth considering.

Dave Dombrowski has a few areas to address at this year's deadline, with reliever, third base, and right field as the top three needs for this team.

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