The Phillies are prioritizing starting pitching above all us at this year’s trade deadline. More specifically, they’re looking for someone to give the ball to in a possible Game 3 of a wild card series.
According to Jayson Stark of The Athletic, the Phillies are “shopping for a starter who can start a playoff game.” Stark went on to mention that the team has been in on Angels starter Noah Syndergaard and Reds starter Tyler Mahle among others.
Mahle, 27, has a 4.40 ERA on the season, but is one of the more coveted starters on the trade market. A team that acquires him will have him under contract until 2024. He’s having a down year relative to his standards, but he does have a 3.20 ERA since June and was one of the best starters in the sport last season.
It will be tough for the Phillies to put together a trade package for Mahle that does not include one of Mick Abel, Andrew Painter or Griff McGarry. Stark reports that the Phillies continue to signal that the top three pitchers in the Phillies’ minor league system are not available.
On the other hand, the Phillies probably won’t need to trade Abel, Painter or McGarry to acquire Syndergaard, who is a free agent after this season. Syndergaard is also signed for a one-year, $21 million contract and the Phillies could be one of the few contenders who would be willing to take on the remaining money on his deal.
Syndergaard, who has a 3.83 ERA this season with Los Angeles, has pitched on extended rest all year. He underwent Tommy John surgery in October 2020 and the fastball velocity is still not fully back relative to where he was pre surgery. Syndergaard does have experience pitching in the postseason with the Mets and could slot in as the team’s No. 3 starter, though it should be mentioned that Ranger Suárez has looked the part of a Game 3 starter since coming off the injured list before the All-Star break.
Matt Gelb of The Athletic previously reported that the Phillies sent a scout to Syndergaard’s most recent outing.
The trade deadline is this Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET. The Phillies acquired shortstop Edmundo Sosa from the St. Louis Cardinals for left-handed pitcher JoJo Romero on Saturday.
MORE FROM PHILLIES NATION
- Phillies 2022 Walk-Up Songs
- Phils’ Third Rounder Gabriel Rincones Jr. ‘Bet On Himself’ On Path From Scotland
- Phillies Reportedly Uninterested In Trading At Least 3 Pitching Prospects
- As Aaron Nola Puts Together Excellent Season, Long-Term Deal Should Be On The Radar Of The Phillies
- Malvern Prep Grad Jordan Dissin Excited For ‘Surreal’ Opportunity With Hometown Phillies
- With Eflin Uncertainty, Starting Pitching Sounds Like The No. 1 Priority For The Phillies Ahead Of Trade Deadline
- Chase Utley Moving To London For New MLB Role
- Rookie Darick Hall Enjoying ‘Overwhelming’ Support As New Phils Slugger
- 4 Potentially Realistic Starting Rotation Trade Targets For Phillies
- Pete Rose To Appear At Citizens Bank Park During Alumni Weekend
Latest Comments