The Philadelphia Phillies enter the 2026 MLB trade deadline with three clear priorities, and adding a right-handed hitting outfielder remains one of the biggest.
Finding that type of bat, however, won’t be easy. The market is relatively thin, making Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell one of the more appealing options. Even so, the price to acquire him could ultimately push the Phillies away from pursuing a deal.
According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, the Phillies have been linked to a projected trade package for Adell that would require giving up three prospects, a cost that may simply be too high for Philadelphia to justify.
“A package of Dante Nori, Gabe Craig, and Ramon Marquez could entice the Angels’ new leadership to make a deal,” Bowden writes on Adell, whom he called the Phillies’ best fit.
Adell, 27, fits the profile Philadelphia is seeking. The right-handed slugging outfielder also remains under team control through the 2027 season, meaning he would provide value beyond this year’s playoff push instead of being a short-term rental.
Still, his production has taken a noticeable step backward.
After launching 37 home runs in 526 at-bats last season, Adell has managed just 11 homers in 351 at-bats this year. His home-run rate has dropped dramatically from 6.5% to 2.9%, while his OPS has fallen from .778 to .677.
If the Phillies were to acquire him, Adell would likely be best utilized in a platoon role against left-handed pitching. Given that limited role, surrendering a premium prospect package would be difficult to justify.
Prospect Package Appears Too Expensive for Philadelphia
Dante Nori is widely regarded as one of the Phillies’ top prospects, and the 21-year-old outfielder is not someone the organization should move without careful consideration. While he has long been viewed as a potential trade chip ahead of the deadline, including him in a deal is only part of the concern.
Gabe Craig, 25, has quietly put together a strong season in the minors, posting a 2.93 ERA. Although he may not be viewed as untouchable, he projects as a pitcher capable of contributing in the Phillies’ bullpen in the near future.
The biggest sticking point is Ramon Marquez.
The 20-year-old right-handed pitching prospect has rapidly elevated his stock this season. Across 44 innings in nine appearances, including eight starts, Marquez owns a 2.05 ERA while striking out 67 hitters, numbers that are likely to boost his standing among the organization’s top prospects.
Giving up Marquez, Nori, and Craig for a season and a half of Adell appears to be far too steep a price for Philadelphia. While each player could realistically be included in trade discussions before the deadline, packaging all three together for Adell would represent a significant gamble the Phillies may be better off avoiding.