Phillies blockbuster trade idea fills 2 needs for team at trade deadline

12 hours ago 1

The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets are in a tight race atop the National League East. The Phillies could address two big needs at the trade deadline.

The Phillies' biggest need is arguably in the bullpen. They lost José Alvarado to a PED suspension and he will be ineligible to pitch in October. They also need another bat in their lineup. ESPN's Paul Hernbekides urged the Phillies to acquire Willi Castro and Griffin Jax from the Minnesota Twins.

Castro would be a great addition. He was an All-Star last season, and his numbers are even better this year. He could slot in at second base or give the Phillies a better bat in the outfield.

"Philadelphia's need for another bat is likewise acute: Since May 1, second baseman Bryson Stott (60 wRC+) and left fielder Max Kepler (72 wRC+) have been among baseball's worst regulars at the plate," wrote Hernbekides. "Not only has Castro posted an above-average batting line in each of the past three seasons (105 OPS+ over that span) but the utility player has also logged more than 300 innings this season in both the infield and the outfield."

Jax had a 2.03 ERA last season, but this year he has a 3.91 ERA. However, there is reason to believe he can still dominate like he did last season.

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"The Phillies' need for a reliever is well-documented -- Jordan Romano has pitched to a 6.99 ERA and Jose Alvarado is ineligible for the postseason because of his PED suspension," wrote Hernbekides. "Jax's underlying metrics (40.7% chase rate, 39.7% whiff rate, 36.9% strikeout rate) are cartoonishly good and suggest his 3.91 ERA is artificially inflated."

More MLB: Blue Jays blockbuster 3-for-2 trade proposal brings 2 relievers to Toronto

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