Philadelphia Phillies: 3 Detroit Tigers to target at the deadline

Philadelphia Phillies target No. 2: LHP Andrew Chafin

Speaking of Andrew Chafin, if the Philadelphia Phillies are targeting a bullpen arm from the Tigers, he’s likely the top name on the board. Chafin would come into Philadelphia and immediately become one of the club’s top relievers from the get-go. The nine-year veteran has picked up right where he left off last year with a 2.61 ERA.

The lefty has pitched 30.2 innings in 36 games so far this season for Detroit. He’s been solid against left-handed bats, but he’s been incredibly strong against righties. Right-handed bats are slashing a lowly .200/.229/.262 against Chafin this season.

Chafin is in the first year of a two-year $13 million contract; however, the second year of that deal features an opt-out clause, meaning that he could leave Philadelphia after the season should he decide so. With the season he’s been having so far, it’s likely that he would do so as he would be in line to receive a raise.

That opt-out clause does add a small bit of risk; however, the potential reward that Chafin would bring could prove too tantalizing for Dave Dombrowski and the Phillies to deny. Chafin is the top reliever that Philadelphia could add from the Detroit Tigers, but there is one player who is both more highly sought after and plays a position of greater need.