Philadelphia Phillies: 5 Starting Pitcher Trade Candidates

Philadelphia Phillies’ trade target #2: Pablo Lopez

Pablo Lopez’s name has been floating around trade talks for what seems like years now, and there were rumors that he would be dealt to the Yankees’ last trade deadline. Lopez would most likely cost more than Glasnow, but he’s arguably a better and safer pickup.

Last year was Lopez’s worst since 2019, yet he still finished with an ERA of 3.75, an ERA+ of 108, a FIP of 3.71, and a WHIP of 1.167.

Lopez will also be just 27 at the start of the 2023 season, and he’s not a free agent until after the 2025 season. The Marlins seem willing to trade him for hitters.

If the Phillies wanted to put together a package of Rhys Hoskins and some lower prospects, it might be enough to land the coveted starter.

Philadelphia Phillies’ trade target #3: Merrill Kelly

Merrill Kelly didn’t start his MLB career until he was 30, and it’s been a bit up and down since. Kelly posted his best season last year, posting an ERA of 3.37, an ERA+ of 119, a FIP of 3.65, and a WHIP of 1.138.

Kelly will be 34 at the start of the 2023 season and won’t be able to enter free agency until after the 2025 season when he has a club option, at which time he will be 36.

Kelly has been linked to the Phillies in trade rumors each of the last two deadlines, but ultimately the Phillies decided to go with other options over Kelly. Kelly would be more down the road of Kyle Gibson and Noah Syndergaard. He’d be decent depth, but there would be questions of reliability during the postseason.

Kelly’s age is also a factor. While he does fit the “Veteran” status that Dombrowski said he wanted, but given Kelly’s age track record and contract, it would seem likely that it would be a trade the Phillies regret down the line. Although it is possible that Kelly has figured things out late, and the best is yet to come from him. Either way, he’s been connected, and he fits the role.