Potential Trades - Why, Who, Packages & Proof:

The Phillies have assembled one of the National League's most talented rosters—an elite rotation, a deep lineup, and a championship-caliber core. But with the postseason looming, two issues could derail their title ambitions: a shaky bullpen and an underperforming left and center field.

The Bullpen Problem

Jose Alvarado is out. Yes, he'll come back for some of the season, but he's out for the postseason. We also lack a straightforward solution for the ninth inning. Jordan Romano currently holds that role, but it's not a permanent one. The memory of last year's bullpen meltdown in October is still fresh. The front office must decide: wait and hope, or be aggressive and acquire an elite closer.

Two names stand above the rest:

• Aroldis Chapman (Boston Red Sox)

  • Chapman remains one of baseball's best at missing bats (13.1 K/9) and has held lefties to a .171 average. He's a proven postseason performer and would immediately anchor the ninth inning. As a rental, his cost in prospects should be relatively modest. Chapman currently has a 2.48 ERA.

• Emmanuel Clase (Cleveland Guardians)

  • Clase pairs a 99-mph cutter with elite ground ball rates (60%+). Under team control through 2028, he's the kind of long-term bullpen cornerstone that could transform high-leverage innings for years to come.

The Outfield Weakness

While Johan Rojas is a plus defender with elite speed, his offensive limitations (.230 AVG, sub-.300 OBP) are a glaring liability in the postseason. The Phillies can't afford near-automatic outs in October. Rojas is the glaring issue here, and his speed is a redeeming quality. I have him as a trade option because he has minor league options; they could send him down and bring up others if they want to promote internally. However, I think the Phillies will opt to acquire a proven bat with good defense. 

Three outfielders could immediately upgrade the lineup:

• Jarren Duran (Boston)

  • A dynamic left-handed bat who hits for average, gets on base, and adds disruptive speed (27 steals). Under control through 2028, he fits both short- and long-term plans | 2025 stats: .292 AVG / .356 OBP / .813 OPS, 12 HR, 27 SB

• Taylor Ward (Los Angeles Angels)

  • A consistent right-handed corner outfielder with 17-homer power and the versatility to play all three spots. | 2025 stats: .268 AVG / .335 OBP / 17 HR / .781 OPS

• Cedric Mullins (Baltimore Orioles)

  • A Gold Glove-caliber center fielder who brings power-speed potential and postseason experience. | 2025 stats: .242 AVG / .309 OBP / 10 HR / 22 SB

Potential Trade Packages

The Phillies have the depth to deal—young relievers, rotation arms, and controllable defensive prospects—without crippling the farm system.

WHY MAKE THIS MOVE?

Offensive Upgrade

Rojas is batting under .230 with an OBP below .300 and minimal power. In October, that's a near-automatic out at the bottom of the order. All three targets bring more offense without severely sacrificing defense.

Playoff Experience + Flexibility

Mullins and Duran have played under pressure. Ward offers lineup flexibility and can be used in a platoon if necessary. They're not just rentals — they're postseason-ready and could slot in for multiple years.

Sell High on Rojas

Despite offensive struggles, Rojas has elite sprint speed, defensive highlights, and is still just 24. Teams will buy into the upside, especially rebuilding squads.

Bottom Line

The Phillies have a rare opportunity to finish what they started. Reinforcing the bullpen with a dominant closer or upgrading left/center field with a proven bat is the final step toward winning a World Series. Trading from depth to address these needs isn't just smart—it's necessary.