.jpg)
57 minutes ago
3
The Philadelphia Phillies are slowly starting to resemble the contending team everyone expected them to be.
Since interim manager Don Mattingly took over, Philadelphia is 19-8. They are now one game above .500 at 28-27.
That could spark conversations about the Phillies making multiple moves at the trade deadline. The core of players on the roster is running out of time to win a World Series.
Making a move for a pitcher, like say, Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, would be more than ideal. But based on the Phillies' horrific start to the season before Mattingly took over, that may be a huge risk to take.
"There's only so much the Phillies can do to fix their sagging offense, so leaning into their starting pitching might be their best play," Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer wrote. "Having to face Skubal, Cristopher Sánchez, and Zack Wheeler in a playoff series would be a nightmare for opposing teams."
That trio of pitchers certainly would be a nightmare for opposing teams. But the Phillies would have to give up a significant return package for half a season of Skubal.
"The Phillies only have two top-100 prospects left, though. The idea of them giving up both to go all-in on a lopsided team feels like a reach," Rymer added.
MORE: Mets projected to still sell at trade deadline by ex-MLB GM
There's no guarantee that Skubal would sign an extension with the Phillies. As the American League's back-to-back AL Cy Young Award winner, it would make too much sense for him to test the market.
The Phillies may not be a perfect fit for Skubal, and other teams may have better prospect capital that will intrigue the Tigers more.
English (US)