Philadelphia Phillies: Something must change by the trade deadline

Coming out of the All-Star break, the Philadelphia Phillies were hot off of a three-game sweep against the Miami Marlins. Boasting a record of 49-43, it seemed that Philadelphia was on the verge of making the playoffs for the first time since 2011. Flash forward to today, and the team was involved in yet another sweep, but this time they were on the receiving end. After today’s 4-2 loss, the Cubs have officially swept the Phillies, marking Chicago’s first sweep of the season.

There is no excuse to be made; the team was just outplayed by a bottom-five team in all of Major League Baseball. While many feel this means the team is frankly not good enough and should focus on selling at the deadline, that’s not quite the case. Yes, this team is not good enough as currently constructed, but the third wildcard spot is still within reach, and with Jean Segura and Bryce Harper set to return within the coming weeks, hope remains.

This team may not be a playoff contender at this moment, but they cannot simply lie down while there so close to the postseason. The answer, unfortunately, does not appear to be on the current roster (outside of Harper and Segura’s return), meaning that the trade deadline will be crucial to their season. This isn’t to suggest the team should be “all-in” at the deadline, selling top prospects for elite rentals, but that by adding affordable pieces at two or three positions, Philadelphia has a chance to turn things around this season.

After this latest embarrassment, something must change by the trade deadline if the Philadelphia Phillies wish to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Despite this inexcusable series, the Phillies remain just a game out of the third and final Wild Card spot. As a franchise, they cannot afford to become overly emotional and give up now. Just because the team is at its lowest, at least in a three-game vacuum, does not mean it will not get better for Philadelphia. As impossible as it seems now, at some point, Segura and Harper will return, and the team must continue staying afloat until that moment.

The first course of action should be the addition of a rotation pitcher. While hitters Segura and Harper will return at some point, there is no such guarantee for starter Zach Eflin. The Phillies struggle enough in Kyle Gibson‘s outings, let alone any day Bailey Falter sees the mound. One, if not two, rotational starters should be at the forefront of the Phillies’ minds as they look to not just remain in but take over the Wild Card race. Noah Syndergaard and Madison Bumgarner are two names to consider.

From there, the team can discuss additions in the field. A position-versatile player would be ideal, as would a center fielder, but as long as they come with a consistent bat and capable defense, that’s all the Phillies can ask for. José Iglesias and Kyle Farmer would be affordable infield options, while Michael A. Taylor and Ian Happ are two ideal targets in the outfield.

Many will still say that the Phillies are not in a position to buy as they must protect what few assets they have. That may be true to agree, but the honest truth is that Philadelphia does not need to move top-tier prospects in order to improve. The Philadelphia Phillies can add impactful talent without giving up players like Painter, Abel, Rojas, or O’Hoppe. It’s clear now that a change must come, and the time for that change is now.