Phillies' Final Guide, Ideal Targets for 2024 MLB Trade Deadline
The Philadelphia Phillies have looked like the team to beat in the National League for much of the 2024 season.
With a starting lineup loaded with star power, an extremely effective starting rotation and a bullpen that is vastly improved relative to recent years, it's hard to find a glaring flaw in their roster. However, that won't stop them from hunting for potential upgrades ahead of the trade deadline.
This year's trade deadline is on Tuesday, July 30. Teams will have until 6 p.m. ET on the day to put the finishing touches to their roster for the stretch run.
Ahead we have taken a closer look at their buyer vs. seller decision while also highlighting a pair of ideal targets to address their roster needs.
Buyers or Sellers?
There is little doubt where the Phillies fall in the buyer vs. seller discussion, but it remains to be seen just how aggressive they will be as buyers.
They could swing for the fences on an impact addition in center field like Jazz Chisholm Jr. or Luis Robert Jr. and that would likely mean parting with one or more of the top-tier prospect group that includes Andrew Painter, Justin Crawford, Aidan Miller and Starlyn Caba.
They could also aim lower and simply look for more outfield depth while also kicking the tires on a bullpen addition, since there is no such thing as too much quality relief pitching when it comes to a title contender.
With a farm system that checked in No. 11 in B/R's latest farm system rankings, they have the prospect talent to be major players on the trade market.
Ideal Target: OF Kevin Pillar, Los Angeles Angels
If the Phillies decide against swinging for the fences with a run at one of the marquee center fielders on the market, veteran Kevin Pillar could be a nice under-the-radar addition.
Johan Rojas (64 PA, .180 BA, .403 OPS) and Brandon Marsh (56 PA, .143 BA, .378 OPS) have both struggled mightily against left-handed pitching this season, while right-handed hitting Cristian Pache (81 PA, .229 BA, .662 OPS) has fared slightly better but fits best as a defensive-minded fourth outfielder.
Meanwhile, Pillar is batting a robust .371/.413/.629 with seven doubles, three home runs and 14 RBI in 75 plate appearances against southpaws. He is no longer the Gold Glove defender he was in his prime, but he can still handle all three outfield spots.
The Angels picked him up for next to nothing after he was cut loose by the Chicago White Sox early in the season, so it might not take more than a low-level prospect to get a deal done.
Ideal Target: RHP Pete Fairbanks, Tampa Bay Rays
The Phillies have a pair of All-Stars in their bullpen in Matt Strahm and Jeff Hoffman, while guys like José Alvarado, Gregory Soto and Seranthony DomÃnguez can all be dominant when things are going well, but also inconsistent at times.
With that in mind, it never hurts to add another proven, late-inning option to the mix.
The Tampa Bay Rays are one of the more interesting teams to watch at the deadline, as they are not necessarily rebuilding, but are always open to moving players who have reached the arbitration process or have guaranteed money on the books in an effort to get younger and cheaper.
Right-hander Pete Fairbanks has been the team's primary closer the last few seasons, and he has converted 19 of 21 save opportunities with a 3.28 ERA in 36 appearances this year. He is in the second season of a three-year, $12 million deal that will pay him $3.7 million in 2025 and also includes a $7 million club option for 2026.