After a rough start to the season that ultimately led to the firing of manager Rob Thomson, the Philadelphia Phillies have begun to turn things around. The club has won 11 of its last 15 games, improving its record to 20–22 and pulling itself back into a more competitive position. While the early-season damage still lingers, Philadelphia is clearly in a better place than it was weeks ago.
Even with the recent improvement, the Phillies know there is still work to be done if they want to re-establish themselves as a playoff contender. Sitting four games outside a Wild Card spot, the front office may need to strengthen the roster, particularly by adding another impact bat. That need has already pushed Philadelphia into early trade rumors ahead of the 2026 MLB deadline.
Phillies Connected to Big Move for Rafael Devers
The San Francisco Giants have also struggled this season, sitting at 18–24 and appearing open to roster changes. After already moving catcher Patrick Bailey, more deals could be on the way. One of the most notable names generating league-wide discussion is Rafael Devers, with reports suggesting San Francisco may at least be willing to listen to offers.
FanSided’s Chris Landers listed the Phillies as one of the potential landing spots for Devers, pointing to Dave Dombrowski’s long-standing appreciation for the slugger dating back to his time with the Boston Red Sox. Landers suggested that if Philadelphia remains near the .500 mark by midseason, a bold push for a star like Devers wouldn’t be out of the question.
On paper, the fit is intriguing. Devers has had a slow start this year, but his résumé remains strong. The $313 million slugger hit 35 home runs and drove in 109 runs just last season across time with Boston and San Francisco, and he has reached at least 32 homers in four separate seasons. His track record as a middle-of-the-order force is well established.
For a Phillies lineup still searching for more consistent power, adding a hitter of Devers’ caliber would instantly deepen the offense and give them another proven run producer.
A Risky But Potentially Transformative Move
There is no denying the risk. Devers is still early in a massive 10-year contract, and his current form hasn’t matched expectations. Any trade would carry significant financial and performance uncertainty.
However, the upside is equally clear. If Devers were to rediscover his elite level in Philadelphia, it could dramatically reshape the team’s offense and strengthen its postseason push. It would be a high-risk, high-reward move that signals an aggressive win-now approach from the front office.