The Philadelphia Phillies approach the season with an opportunity to get back to their third straight NLCS. With one World Series appearance to show for it, the Phillies are hoping they can get back to the same position they were in two seasons ago and get the job done. It isn’t a question of if they have enough talent to do so.
Philadelphia has one of the best teams in baseball with a roster full of veterans who have played in big moments. Expectations are always high in the city, and anything short of a deep postseason run would be looked at as a disappointment.
To solidify the likelihood of going far in the playoffs, why don’t they go out and add arguably the best player in baseball? Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer proposed a dream trade that would send Mike Trout to the Phillies.
Trout has long been a name to watch in Philadelphia. He grew up in the area, is a fan of local teams, and would give the organization exactly what they need. The three-time MVP would pair perfectly with Bryce Harper, giving the city the best duo in baseball.
Trout, 32 years old, is most likely in the back end of his career. He’s dealt with injuries in recent seasons, and while that’s concerning, he’s the type of player who front offices would take a risk for. When healthy, he’s still one of the best players in baseball. He played 119 games in 2022, slashing .283/.369/.630 with 40 home runs. Adding that to this lineup would be terrifying for opposing teams.
1 bonkers trade Phillies must make before 2024 season
The Philadelphia Phillies have high expectations for the 2024 season. The team reached the World Series in 2022 and fell just short of the Fall Classic in 2023. 2024 projects to be another big campaign, but the Phillies would benefit from making one trade before Opening Day.
The Phillies lineup is going to perform well. Philadelphia features more than enough power and veteran hitting prowess. The bullpen has some question marks, but should hold up its end of the bargain.
Meanwhile, the Phillies re-signed Aaron Nola early in the offseason before signing Zack Wheeler to a contract extension in spring training. The Phillies starting rotation could use another arm, though.
Ranger Suarez and Taijuan Walker are expected to join Nola and Wheeler in the rotation. Other potential starting rotation candidates include; Cristopher Sanchez, Kolby Allard, Max Castillo, and Spencer Turnbull, per MLB.com. The rotation still seems as if it needs one more reliable arm to help it compete with the best pitching staffs in the game, however.
Sure, Cleveland Guardians ace Shane Bieber has been mentioned in trade rumors and would make sense for the Phillies. Bieber, though, will hit free agency following the ’24 campaign. Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Brady Singer is a sneaky trade candidate who could provide a boost for a rotation.
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