New Phillies Trade Rumors Uncover Potential Targets for 2026 MLB Deadline

The Philadelphia Phillies desperately need another impact right-handed bat as they seek to make a playoff push, though the options in that regard aren't terribly promising.

According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, "Most expectations, according to teams that have engaged with the Phillies, are that [president of baseball operations] Dave Dombrowski has prioritized pitching acquisitions. That could come in the form of two relievers, or a reliever plus a starting pitcher who could slide into a hypothetical October bullpen role. Some of this is being dictated by the market, which is slim on capable bats.

Gelb noted that the Phillies considered Lane Thomas before he was traded to the Atlanta Braves and have also poked around Baltimore outfielder Taylor Ward (seven homers, .729 OPS) and Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell (16 homers, 62 RBI, .684 OPS).

But the outfield market is pretty sparse, and Gelb reported that the Phils "have not closed the door on potential infield acquisitions."

Among the infielders on the market are Detroit Tigers middle infielder Gleyber Torres (.775 OPS) and San Francisco Giants second baseman Luis Arráez (.328 batting average, 10 stolen bases, 52 runs, .810 OPS).

Arráez would offer by far the biggest impact, though such a deal would likely mean moving Bryson Stott to shortstop and finally sliding Trea Turner to the outfield to allow Arráez to remain at second base. Given Turner's 18 errors this season, the most in baseball, few Phillies' fans would complain about a position change for him.