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As the MLB trade deadline approaches, it's abundantly clear that the Philadelphia Phillies really need to add a better right-handed hitter.
The focus will be on the outfield, as finding someone to fill in full-time along with Brandon Marsh, and a potential center field platoon would be ideal. But those options are limited, and it might make more sense to look for upgrades elsewhere.
That's where Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report's prediction comes in. He's predicting the Phillies will swing a blockbuster deal for a $151 million third baseman, and Alec Bohm replacement, Matt Chapman from the San Francisco Giants.
Phillies predicted to trade for Matt Chapman from Giants
"Philadelphia Phillies (43-36): They'll get Matt Chapman from the Giants," Rymer predicts. "... Plus, getting Chapman from the Giants could be as simple as agreeing to swallow the last four years of his $151 million contract."
The Phillies are in need of more offensive firepower, mainly from the right side of the plate. Another lefty would help, but not as much as a righty slugger.
Chapman fits the bill, as he's been a great slugger lately for the Giants, posting a .281 batting average with a .981 OPS with six homers and 23 RBIs in June so far.
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However, while Chapman would be a good addition on paper, there are several issues with this potential trade prediction from Rymer.
First, the Phillies spending so much money to acquire Chapman would not be a good idea, considering the huge allotment of spending they've made with Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and others.
Chapman is owed roughly $100 million over the next four years, which is $25 million per-year, and a ton of money for the Phillies to spend on another veteran.
MORE: Giants are ‘hopeful ‘ they can trade Matt Chapman by MLB deadline
While he's better than Bohm and would be a huge upgrade over the struggling homegrown Phillies veteran, the cost to add Chapman, whether it's the trade capital or the financial commitment, makes this trade a lot trickier to accomplish.
Rymer's prediction would be a fun one in theory, but adding Chapman, especially if the Phillies agree to take on all of Chapman's deal, would be a massive risk that's not really worth taking.
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