The MLB Trade Deadline is not until July 30th, but sometimes it is never too early to look ahead. The Phillies have a roster that has eyes on one thing and one thing only, and that is the World Series. The Phillies have a roster than can complete their goal, but the roster is far from perfect.
Dave Dombrowski has a reputation around the league for being aggressive in building his rosters. During the 2023 trade deadline he was relatively quiet and only brought in Rodolfo Castro and Michael Lorenzen. With the Phillies being so close to winning it all the last two seasons, Dombrowski needs to be aggressive this year.
Here are 4 mock trades the Phillies should look to complete this season.
Phillies- Alex Wood LHP
Athletics- Simon Muzziotti OF
Wood is a free agent after the 2024 season and even though the season just begun, the Athletics will more than likely be out of playoff contention and as always will be sellers during the 2024 season. Wood was an all-star in 2017 and World Series champion in 2020 would bring another lefty to the rotation and plenty of experience. The Phillies currently have a 6-man rotation but with an injury to Taijuan Walker and no more depth outside of the 6 starters, the Phillies can use another starting pitcher.
Phillies- Eloy Jimenez OF
White Sox- Christian Pache OF & Weston Wilson SS
The Phillies have some question marks in the outfield. Johan Rojas can play at a gold glove level, but he can't hit the ball if his life depended on it. If the Phillies are serious about their future, Rojas should be in AAA to truly develop. Jimenez is a silver slugger caliber outfielder. He has had injury concerns, but if we can improve the outfield depth by moving on from Pache and replacing him with Jimenez it would be a huge upgrade.
Phillies receive Austin Hedges C
Guardians receive Griff McGarry RHP & David Dahl OF
The Phillies have a giant weakness in their back-up catcher. Garrett Stubbs brings great vibes to the clubhouse, but he is not a strong back-up catcher. With JT getting older, we should start to see him taking more games off. He has lead MLB catchers for innings pitched over the last two seasons. By picking up Hedges, the Phillies would boost their bench and would have a solid back-up behind the plate.
Phillies receive Devin Williams RHP
Brewers receive Gabriel Rincones Jr OF & George Klassen RHP
The Phillies have a lot of great arms in the bullpen. However, the one thing they keep missing is a true 9th inning closer. The Phillies have used a committee, but Williams would step in and fill that role. With Williams being under team control until 2026, Williams would not just help solidify this bullpen for 2024 but for 3 seasons.
Phillies receive Charlie Blackmon OF/DH
Rockies receive Simon Muzziotti OF
The Rockies are going to be sellers as they attempt to get younger. Blackmon has been a longtime Rockie, so it may be hard for them to move on. However, if they do the Phillies should get on the phone. Blackmon would be a great depth piece that can fill in for guy's days off and be a great pinch hitter in key situations.
A fun one that will never happen, but it is fun to imagine.
Phillies receive Mike Trout OF
Angels receive Taijuan Walker RHP, Andrew Painter RHP, Starlyn Caba SS & Nick Castellanos OF
Mike Trout is a generational player and when healthy he is still one of the best players in the game. Trout's name has been circulating in trade rumors ever since Shohei Ohtani left the Angels to sign with the Dodgers. The Angels continue to not build around him and eventually you have to think Trout is going to want out and to pursue a ring. The Phillies (or any team) will have to give up a haul to get Trout. This may be the worst mock trade of them all, but if this is what it takes to bring Mike Trout home, then I say they make it.