The Philadelphia Phillies are doing everything they can to fight their way back into the National League playoff picture, fueled by a stretch of strong baseball over the past few weeks. With the season now roughly one-third complete, the club is expected to be active buyers ahead of the trade deadline.
After an ugly start to the year, Philadelphia has turned things around and steadily climbed back toward the .500 mark. As a result, the front office is beginning to evaluate potential upgrades that could strengthen the roster for the second half of the season.
The biggest issue for the Phillies has clearly been their offense. Production from the right side of the plate has been inconsistent, and the lineup has struggled badly against left-handed pitching. Ideally, the team would like to add a proven right-handed bat capable of hitting in the middle of the order.
Landing that type of impact hitter will not be easy, but as the standings continue to develop, more star-caliber players could become available on the trade market.
One player whose name has started generating buzz is reigning American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. With the Detroit Tigers struggling and Skubal set to become a free agent soon, there is growing belief he could be moved before the deadline. However, despite his talent, Philadelphia likely should avoid pursuing him.
Phillies Shouldn’t Chase Skubal
The Tigers have been one of the bigger disappointments in baseball this season, making the possibility of trading Skubal feel increasingly realistic. By the time he reaches free agency, he could have two Cy Young Awards on his résumé and may even reset the pitching market financially.
Although injuries slowed him earlier this season, Skubal has progressed well in rehab and appears on track to return sooner than initially expected. Unfortunately for Detroit, even a healthy Skubal may not be enough to turn the Tigers into legitimate playoff contenders because of the team’s other weaknesses.
Moving him would make sense for Detroit, but Philadelphia likely is not the right fit. The Phillies already possess one of the stronger rotations in baseball and have multiple frontline starters capable of leading the staff.
In addition, the trade cost for a pitcher of Skubal’s caliber would almost certainly be massive, and Philadelphia does not have an abundance of elite prospects to offer. While adding Skubal would strengthen the roster, the Phillies’ top priority this summer should remain upgrading the lineup rather than investing heavily in another starting pitcher.