The Philadelphia Phillies remain in pursuit of the Atlanta Braves atop the National League East as the All-Star break approaches. Entering play on July 8, Philadelphia sat just two games behind Atlanta in the division race.
Still, the Phillies stumbled in their most recent series against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium, dropping two of three games while managing only three total runs across their two defeats. Even with a lineup anchored by Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, adding another impact bat could strengthen the offense heading into the stretch run.
With Major League Baseball’s trade deadline set for Aug. 3, speculation is beginning to intensify. Philadelphia has already been connected to several potential targets, and a recent ESPN report identified multiple players who could make sense for the Phillies.
Among those names was San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee.
ESPN Sees Lee as a Legitimate Trade Candidate
ESPN insiders Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan gave Lee a 50% chance of being moved before the deadline, describing him as an emerging talent whose offensive value may still be overlooked.
“The 27-year-old is top five in MLB in batting average and strikeout rate, and considering he’s carrying a slugging percentage in excess of .450 and can also play all around the outfield, Lee is primed to get a big return if the Giants indeed move him,” they wrote.
Lee could address a clear need for Philadelphia. Starting right fielder Adolis Garcia is sidelined for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a lat injury, leaving an opening in the outfield that Lee could potentially fill.
Entering July 6, Lee was hitting .315 with 33 RBIs across 81 games for the 37-52 Giants. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing just under 200 pounds, he isn’t known for prodigious power, and his slugging numbers are unlikely to wow fans. Instead, his value comes from consistently making contact and putting the ball in play.
That said, McDaniel and Passan also pointed out that Lee “isn’t a standout defender or baserunner, closer to average,” raising the question of whether he would be the ideal addition for a Phillies club with postseason aspirations.
Financially, Lee is under contract for three more seasons after 2026 at an annual salary of $21 million, though he holds the option to opt out following the 2027 campaign.