Why Phillies' top trade deadline need might not be a righty-hitting outfielder

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Why Phillies' top trade deadline need might not be a righty-hitting outfielder originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Philadelphia Phillies have come all the way back from 9-19 to being one of the top postseason contenders in baseball. But, there's one big issue: they have some huge needs.

After Adolis Garcia got hurt, the Phillies need for a right-handed hitting outfielder became extremely apparent. Derek Hill has been fine in a reserve role, but the Phillies need more help there.

However, MLB.com's Todd Zolecki identified a different position as their top need. Instead of a righty slugger, the Phillies' top trade deadline need might be a high-leverage reliever. It might seem odd with Jhoan Duran, but there's a good reason for this need.

Why Phillies might need reliever more than an outfielder​

"If you think back to the past few postseasons for the Phillies, you might remember a few late-inning meltdowns," Zolecki writes. "In fact, the Phillies' bullpen blew eight save opportunities in the past three postseasons. Has the offense faltered? Suire. But the bullpen might have been more to blame."

This is a very interesting point made by Zolecki, as the Phillies' top trade deadline need for much of the 2026 season has been that right-handed hitting outfielder. But now, it might be relieving.

For as good as Duran is, the rest of the Phillies' bullpen right now is very shaky. Orion Kerkering is fine, but Brad Keller has struggled since signing his $22 million deal this past offseason.

Jose Alvarado and Tanner Banks aren't pitching very well this season, and Jonathan Bowlan is a little too shaky to trust in big moments.

Even though there is a lot of upside with this bullpen, the Phillies really need to explore a high-leverage addition to this bullpen by the August 3 trade deadline.

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Aroldis Chapman of the Boston Red Sox would make sense, only if he's willing to not close out games, as that's Duran's job.

There are some other reliever options to consider, like Antonio Senzatela of the Colorado Rockies, Lucas Erceg of the Kansas City Royals, or one of the San Diego Padres relievers if they fall out of the postseason hunt by the deadline.

But, regardless of who the Phillies target, they should be aiming to land a high-leverage reliever who can help bridge the gap between the starting rotation and Duran.

It's an interesting idea from Zolecki, and it might not be wrong. But, ideally, Dave Dombrowski and Don Mattingly find a way to address all three of their needs in the rotation, bullpen, and outfield this summer.

More MLB news:​

• Phillies’ Cristopher Sanchez is planned NL All-Star starter
• 3 reasons why Braves are perfect fit for Tarik Skubal at MLB trade deadline
• Padres have ‘no choice’ but to be trade deadline sellers if things don’t turn around
• Phillies DFA No. 13-ranked prospect Jean Cabrera to keep Bryan De La Cruz

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