The Philadelphia Phillies enter July with growing confidence that they have what it takes to contend for a World Series in 2026, and fans are also hoping the club will be well represented at the upcoming All-Star Game.
Once the midsummer showcase wraps up, however, attention will quickly turn to the MLB trade deadline. Philadelphia is expected to explore several areas of need, with the biggest priority being the addition of a right-handed hitting outfielder to strengthen the lineup.
So when ESPN’s David Schoenfield suggested the Phillies pursue an All-Star from the Minnesota Twins, many naturally assumed he was referring to star outfielder Byron Buxton. Instead, Schoenfield proposed a much different target: All-Star starting pitcher Joe Ryan.
“Philadelphia Phillies/Atlanta Braves: Trade for Joe Ryan,” Schoenfield wrote. “As for the Phillies, they need offense — but like the Padres, they really will have to rely on their current guys, like Trea Turner, J.T. Realmuto and Alec Bohm, to hit better.”
Schoenfield’s suggestion comes as top prospect Andrew Painter has already been sent back to the minor leagues following a difficult introduction to the majors, leaving Philadelphia searching for consistency behind its frontline starters.
Even so, it’s surprising to see Ryan emerge as Schoenfield’s preferred trade target. The Twins’ All-Star right-hander remains under club control through the 2027 season, making him one of the most valuable starting pitchers who could potentially be available.
Still, acquiring Ryan would raise questions for the Phillies. With the team’s biggest weakness clearly in the outfield, investing significant trade capital in another starting pitcher instead of addressing the lineup could be viewed as an unusual strategy.
On paper, a postseason rotation featuring Cristopher Sanchez, Zack Wheeler, Jesus Luzardo, and Ryan would give Philadelphia four high-end starters with an ideal mix of two left-handers and two right-handers.
The move, however, would do little to solve the club’s offensive shortcomings, and the price to land Ryan would almost certainly be substantial.
There’s no question Ryan would strengthen the Phillies’ rotation. The right-hander owns a 3.61 ERA this season and appears to be on track for a second All-Star selection, making him an attractive trade candidate. But paying a premium to acquire him as what would likely be the club’s fourth starter may not represent the best use of valuable assets.
While Schoenfield believes Ryan is the ideal trade target for Philadelphia, the Phillies may ultimately be better served directing those same resources toward Buxton or another impact right-handed hitting outfielder who more directly addresses the team’s most pressing need.