When is the MLB Trade Deadline? 13 players the Phillies could target

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When is the MLB Trade Deadline? 13 players the Phillies could target

Anthony DiMattia, Delaware News Journal · Delaware Online | The News Journal

Sun, Jul 28, 2024 ·

5 min read

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The Philadelphia Phillies find themselves in first place in the National League East and positioned to make a run at the World Series.

With the MLB Trade Deadline right around the corner, here's a look at what the club could do to give the franchise the best chance for a Red October this fall.

Here are all the details on this year's trade deadline:

MLB trade deadline: Should these bubble teams buy or sell?

When is the MLB Trade Deadline?

The 2024 MLB Trade Deadline is Tuesday, July 30, at 6 p.m. ET. After this date, all players will be required to pass through waivers before being traded.

Who could the Phillies target?

Lane Thomas , OF, and Kyle Finnegan , RP, Washington Nationals

Thomas, a speedy outfielder, would be a great fit since he could add some pop to the lineup while playing multiple outfield positions.

Detroit Tigers third baseman Gio Urshela (13) tags out Washington Nationals right fielder Lane Thomas (28) trying to steal third in the third inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

Finnegan, a right-handed reliever who has struggled in past seasons, is having a career-year serving as Washington's closer and would add an insurance policy in the bullpen alongside All-Stars Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm .

Jun 2, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Kyle Finnegan (67) celebrates with catcher Keibert Ruiz (20) after the Nationals beat the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Randy Arozarena , OF , and pitchers Pete Fairbanks and Jason Adam , Rays

Arozarena was traded to the Seattle Mariners for three prospects.

Arozarena is an electrifying right-handed hitter who combines speed and power at the plate with solid defense in left. He also has a hack for primetime with a history of success in the playoffs. His team-friendly contract would make his price tag high.

Jul 20, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) follows through on a two run home run against the New York Yankees during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium.

Fairbanks and Adam are both high-leverage, right-handed relievers who have pitched a number of big innings for Tampa Bay in the ultra-competitive American League East.

Luis Robert Jr., CF; Tommy Pham , OF; Michael Kopech ; RP, Chicago White Sox

The Phillies likely will make a smaller move at the deadline, but a trade for a star-level player like Robert would allow the Phillies to add legitimate middle-of-the-lineup bat while not losing much defensively in center field.

Jul 3, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) makes a catch in the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Pham, a right-handed hitting veteran outfielder who signed with Chicago in April, could provide power and depth in a weak spot in the Phillies' lineup.

Jul 3, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Chicago White Sox right fielder Tommy Pham (28) singles in the fourth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Kopech is a hard-throwing former top starting pitching prospect who transitioned into a dominant closer for Chicago this season. He would form a formable bullpen that already includes José Alvarado , Gregory Soto , Seranthony Domínguez , Orion Kerkering , Hoffman and Strahm.

Jun 10, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Michael Kopech (34) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Mason Miller , RP, and Brent Rooker , DH, Oakland Athletics

Young All-Star fireballer Miller likely would require the Phillies to part with several top prospects to acquire due to his potential and cost-controllable salary. As tempting as it would be (he flew with Phillies players on the team's private charter to the All-Star Game), don't except Philly to go all-in on a reliever.

Jul 16, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; American League pitcher Mason Miller of the Oakland Athletics (19) pitches in the fifth inning during the 2024 MLB All-Star game at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Another tempting player from the Bay Area, Rooker would be a welcome addition to the middle of the lineup, especially after he hit three home runs against the Phillies in a series at Citizens Bank Park before the All-Star break. The cost to acquire and his defense fit might make a trade unlikely, though.

Oakland Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker (25) reacts after hitting a single against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field in Phoenix on Saturday, June 29, 2024.

Mark Canha , OF, Tigers

Canha is another veteran right-handed bat who would provide power to the bottom of the lineup while not costing much in return, prospect wise.

Taylor Ward , OF, and Kevin Pillar , OF, and Carlos Estévez, P, Los Angeles Angels

Ward would be the more desirable player since he is much young, has bigger upside since some believe he has untapped power potential and has cost-controllable contract past this season.

Pillar, on the other hand, is more versatile defensively but isn't as dangerous at the plate. Plus, he has already announced he will retire at the end of the season.

Estévez is a veteran right-handed reliever who has served as Angels closer the last two seasons. The 31-year-old pitcher is having his best season so far with an ERA nearly 2 runs lower than his career average.

Which teams could be sellers?

There are several struggling or rebuilding teams that could choose to sell this year. Here's a look at which teams might sell and what players might be on the trading block, according to published reports :

Roster move: Philadelphia Phillies release Whit Merrifield. Why was he let go and who replaced him?

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