Phillies' Aaron Nola problem might lead to unfortunate trade deadline move

The Philadelphia Phillies are looking to make some moves at the 2026 MLB trade deadline, with their sights likely set on outfield help.

It's a very clear need, especially after the Adolis Garcia injury. But, unfortunately, that's not the only problem that needs solving for the Phillies this summer. The bullpen needs some help, and now Aaron Nola is causing problems as well.

As MLB.com's Todd Zolecki noted, the Phillies might have to address their Nola problem at the trade deadline by adding another starting pitcher, as they can't continue to rely on a starter who struggles as much as Nola has this season.

Phillies might trade for a SP upgrade amid Aaron Nola's problem

"Nola's continued struggles figure to complicate the Phillies' approach to the Aug. 3 MLB Trade Deadline," Zolecki writes. "... It would be nice to focus on a right-handed bat and a high-leverage reliever, but the Phillies need more from the back of their rotation, too."

While the Phillies' top needs might clearly be the right-handed hitting outfielder and another high-leverage bullpen arm, the starting rotation is all of a sudden a big need as well.

This season, Nola has a 6.04 ERA and 87 strikeouts with a 3-5 record in 17 starts. He's been one of the worst pitchers in baseball the last two seasons, and clearly can't be relied upon going forward.

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To compete for a World Series, they cannot keep relying on Nola in a prominent role. Whether it's adding someone to piggyback with Nola, or a good start to move Nola to the fifth spot, the team needs to figure something out in the rotation.

This situation is far from ideal, as Dave Dombrowski and company would surely prefer to just focus on adding a good right-handed hitting outfielder and maybe another reliever, rather than add another high-profile starter to the mix.

Starting pitching is now a need for the Phillies, and it's mainly due to Nola's struggles this season. The Nola problem is a big one for the Phillies, and it might throw off the team's MLB trade deadline plans on August 3 later this summer.

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