Phillies-Twins trade prediction sends $6.2M All-Star arm to Philadelphia for rotation consistency

The Philadelphia Phillies were once at the bottom of baseball, with their season looking like it might not be salvageable. The Phillies even made an early-season managerial change, firing Rob Thomson, which has since proven to be a positive turning point.

At one point, Philadelphia endured a losing streak that lasted over a week, marking the longest skid in baseball at that time.

“The longest losing streak in baseball now belongs to the Philadelphia Phillies, who dropped their eighth straight and are tied with the Mets for the worst record in the National League at 8-16. At -50, the Phillies also have the worst run differential in baseball by 15 runs,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote.

The Phillies have since climbed back to 28-27, putting them just above the .500 mark. While the rotation has shown flashes of strength, concerns remain around Andrew Painter and Aaron Nola.

“As the Phillies try to be a contender, Luzardo is key for the team. Philadelphia has one of the best one-two punches in the league with Cristopher Sanchez and Zack Wheeler, but the team needs their southpaw to be the strong third option. With Andrew Painter being a rookie and still developing on the job, and Aaron Nola once again not pitching well,” SI’s Nick Ziegler wrote.

With Philadelphia back in playoff contention, it makes sense for the club to pursue another starting pitcher. One potential target is Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins.

“The Phillies' slow start is blissfully over, but it also showed that this team has plenty of flaws to address if it wants a fifth-straight postseason appearance. Outfield, rotation, and bullpen are all obvious areas of need, while Alec Bohm's third-base job could be stripped by the deadline if he doesn't pick up the pace,” SI’s Jackson Roberts wrote.

Ryan has had success throughout his career and was even viewed as a darkhorse Cy Young candidate entering the season. He also earned an All-Star selection in the American League last year.

Ryan is owed $6.2 million this season, which would be manageable for Philadelphia. Adding him to a rotation featuring Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sánchez would significantly deepen the staff. If Nola can also regain form, the Phillies would have a rotation capable of creating serious problems in October.

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