Why Phillies are a trade deadline 'loser' despite Luis Arraez addition

The Philadelphia Phillies made a big swing on MLB trade deadline day, landing Luis Arraez from the San Francisco Giants in an unexpected move.

Adding him to the lineup has forced Bryson Stott to third base, which has forced Alec Bohm to first base, which has also led to Bryce Harper moving back to the outfield. It's a major shift for the team, all occurring due to Dave Dobmrowski's deadline plan.

After such a trade and their lack of a rotation addition, ESPN's David Schoenfield called the Phillies a "loser" of the trade deadline. It's, unfortunately, an understandable reaction from Schoenfield.

Why Phillies are a trade deadline loser

"Given Stott's inexperience at third base, the Phillies are arguably making themselves worse on defense at all four positions if they stick to this plan, which is why they're a loser and not a winner," Schoenfield writes.

This shaky plan is a massive conundrum for the Phillies in the wake of the addition of Arraez to this ballclub.

Sure, his bat will be a nice asset. But finding a spot for him on the field is proving to be a challenge. Arraez is now at second base, Stott is at third, Bohm is at first, and Harper is in right field.

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As Schoenfield notes, that's a setup that has the Phillies defense potentially worse at all four positions. Obviously, if the defense somehow isn't an issue, and this configuration works, then there won't be as much consternation about the trade.

But it's hard to ignore the massive risks this plan will entail. Besides, the Phillies didn't even address their rotation need, seemingly believing in Andrew Painter and Aaron Nola turning their seasons around.

They could still look to add to their roster by signing free agents or picking up players who were designated for assignment. But, for now, it's hard to ignore the risks with this ballclub following the trade deadline.

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