Philadelphia Phillies: 3 early trade deadline predictions
By Tim Boyle
What will the Philadelphia Phillies do at this year’s trade deadline? Doubters think they’re going to end up as sellers. We know better. The Phillies will at least hang around for a while even if the year does eventually end in heartbreak.
Exactly what will the Phillies do? These three predictions might preview what’s in store.
1. Phillies trade deadline prediction: A top relief pitcher headlines the additions
The story for the Phillies never seems to change. The bullpen is a problem each year. This season, however, it hasn’t been quite as weak. Even if Corey Knebel did lose his closer job, he has been far more effective than most recent late-inning guys.
He has been joined in success by Brad Hand and Seranthony Dominguez. The Phillies bullpen has been good but it can get even better. It needs to for the team to have a serious shot at competing.
The Phillies might actually be more in the market for a right-handed reliever than a lefty. Jeurys Familia and Jose Alvarado have each underperformed. The Phillies don’t have quite enough righties to complete the relief corps which should have them looking for an addition.
The Detroit Tigers could have a few answers. Michael Fulmer is a free agent after this year and someone that could provide them with an answer. For a bigger deal, they might even want to consider Andrew Chafin.
There are a lot of other good righties on other teams, too. Daniel Bard of the Colorado Rockies and David Robertson of the Chicago Cubs are two closing out games for their respective teams. Do the Phillies look to add another closer to the mix or continue with the committee?