The Philadelphia Phillies had a solid start to the 2025 MLB season, finishing the first half with a 55-41 record. They entered the All-Star break narrowly ahead of the New York Mets in the division standings. After splitting their first two games back, the team is looking to build on its momentum. With the trade deadline approaching, the front office is expected to explore ways to strengthen the roster for a World Series push.
But while the Phillies have reason to feel optimistic, a few worst-case scenarios could throw a wrench into their plans. Let’s take a look at three situations they’ll be hoping to avoid as the deadline draws near:
3. Untimely injuries derail trade deadline plans
Injuries are always a threat, and for a team like the Phillies, any significant injury just before or after the deadline could be devastating. They’ve dealt with this in the past—stars like Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, Ranger Suárez, and most recently Aaron Nola have all missed time in recent seasons.
If a key player gets hurt right before the deadline, the team might have to shift focus from adding depth to finding an emergency replacement. Worse, if an injury occurs after the deadline, they’d be stuck relying on in-house options with no chance to reinforce externally. Either way, it could prevent them from addressing the real needs on the roster.
2. The Mets outmaneuver them at the deadline
With the Mets neck-and-neck with the Phillies in the NL East, one of the biggest concerns is seeing New York land major upgrades. Backed by stars like Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, and Juan Soto, the Mets have the resources and track record to make bold moves. In 2022 and 2024, they made multiple deadline trades, and they’ll likely be aggressive again.
What makes things worse is that the Mets are targeting the same areas the Phillies need to improve—namely, the bullpen and outfield. If New York beats them to the top targets, it could deliver a serious blow to Philadelphia’s postseason hopes.
1. The Phillies fail to be bold enough
Watching other teams get better while standing pat is frustrating—especially for a team in win-now mode. The Phillies can’t afford to be passive at the deadline like they have in recent years. In 2023, they made minimal upgrades, adding just Michael Lorenzen and Rodolfo Castro—neither of whom made much of a difference in October.
Last season, they did slightly better, acquiring Austin Hays, Carlos Estévez, and Tanner Banks along with a couple of prospects. But Hays struggled, and Estévez’s most memorable moment was giving up a crushing grand slam to Lindor in the NLDS loss to the Mets.
This year, President Dave Dombrowski must push hard for impact additions. A high-leverage bullpen arm and a power-hitting outfielder should be top priorities, and if that means trading top prospects, so be it. If the Phillies play it safe again, they risk wasting another opportunity with their current core.