MLB insider reveals what Phillies need to trade for to return to the postseason

The Philadelphia Phillies, after firing Rob Thomson, got back on track and above .500. But, after a rough two series against the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians, they've fallen back below .500 at a 26-27 record.

For a team that came into the year as a World Series contender, that now finds itself a few games out of a Wild Card spot and 9.5 games back of the NL East lead, it's clear the Phillies need some help at this year's deadline. But what kind of help do they need?

MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today revealed the one upgrade that the Phillies need this season to return to the postseason. While it's far from a guarantee, this need being addressed would be a huge help for the Phillies playoff odds.

MLB insider reveals Phillies' trade need to return to postseason

"There's no reason they won't be back playing in October," Nightengale writes, "but they sure could use a right-handed bat to assure they get there."

The Phillies' struggles with right-handed hitting have been something they've dealt with for a few years now, and this season, it's worse than ever.

Of their current starters, the five best hitters on the team are left-handers in Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, Brandon Marsh, Bryson Stott, and Justin Crawford.

Trea Turner has the highest OPS among right-handed hitters, but he's at just a .619 OPS. Alec Bohm is at .611, Adolis Garcia is at .607, Edmundo Sosa is at .589, and J.T. Realmuto is at .572.

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The Phillies desperately need to find a way to upgrade their offense from the right side of the plate, and the trade deadline is the best place to do just that.

Finding an upgrade over Bohm would make sense, but most realistically, the Phillies will seek out a right-handed hitting outfielder.

If Aidan Miller were healthy and playing well at Triple-A, he likely would be a strong call-up option. But he's banged up, so the Phillies only real option to acquire right-handed hitting help is by trading for someone by the August 3rd trade deadline.

The Phillies could still make the playoffs if they don't add an impact right-handed hitter, but if they did, their odds would likely rise a decent bit.

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