MLB Trade Rumors: Garrett Crochet, Jack Flaherty Interest Phillies Ahead of Deadline

The Philadelphia Phillies remain the top team in Major League Baseball, with a 63-37 record, but the team may add more help ahead of the trade deadline.

According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, Philadelphia is "looking at rotation upgrades," with the Chicago White Sox's Garrett Crochet and Detroit Tigers' Jack Flaherty as possible targets.

That comes as a bit of a surprise, given that the Phillies have a clear need in the outfield—namely in center field—and probably would benefit from another reliable late-inning reliever given José Alvarado's recent struggles (9.95 in seven July appearances).

Meanwhile, the starting rotation has been a huge strength.

The Phillies had three starting pitchers make the All-Star Game (Zach Wheeler and Ranger Suárez were named All-Stars but didn't participate due to back spasms, while Cristopher Sánchez was later added as a substitute) and a fourth in Aaron Nola who would have been a deserving choice.

Granted, Suárez has given up 18 runs in his past four starts (21 innings), coming back down to earth after a torrid start. And Sánchez isn't battle-tested in the postseason, meaning the Phillies possibly could be looking for an upgrade at the third starting position, pushing Suárez and Sánchez down a spot.

The fifth starter has been a mild point of controversy, given that Taijuan Walker hasn't been very good in his two seasons with the Phillies (4.67 ERA, 1.35 WHIP). That has left some fans clamoring for Spencer Turnbull to be named the full-time fifth starter once he's healthy again.

Both Crochet and Flaherty would be clear upgrades in that regard.

The 25-year-old Crochet is having an excellent season, going 6-6 with a 3.02 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 150 strikeouts in 107.1 innings. He and outfielder Luis Robert Jr. have consistently popped up in trade rumors as the struggling White Sox potentially prepare to be sellers.

The Tigers have been far better than the White Sox but are long shots to make the Wild Card and probably would be wise to sell pieces as well. Flaherty, 28, is 7-5 this season with a 3.13 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 127 strikeouts in 100.2 innings.

Either Crochet or Flaherty would make the Phillies even scarier heading into October, though it still feels more likely that an upgrade in the outfield or bullpen is higher on the agenda.