The Philadelphia Phillies are in great shape when it comes to starting pitching, arguably boasting the best rotation in MLB when fully healthy. They have five starters who are close to All-Star level, plus exciting prospects like Mick Abel, who is tearing through the minors and set for his second major league start soon. Taijuan Walker has also exceeded expectations, stepping up as a reliable pinch starter.
Looking ahead, Andrew Painter—ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 5 overall prospect and the second-best pitching prospect in baseball—is expected to join the big-league roster around the All-Star break after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Painter’s velocity has improved significantly, and his electric stuff makes him a potential future ace for the Phillies.
Given the abundance of veteran and young pitching depth, Philadelphia might consider leveraging their assets in the trade market. With Abel proving himself in 2025 and Painter poised to make an impact, the Phillies could command top value for these promising arms. Especially Painter, who at just 22 years old, could be the most valuable young pitcher available in trades in recent memory. Any team looking to strengthen their rotation would likely be willing to offer a premium to acquire him, which could help Philadelphia bolster their roster with more immediate win-now pieces.
Phillies can dial up Blue Jays for Bo Bichette trade
Even after investing heavily in Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s extension, the Toronto Blue Jays remain frustratingly just… okay. They still have a shot at the playoffs, but in a division dominated by the Yankees—and an even tougher American League overall—they’re clearly a step behind. It’s also becoming obvious that Bo Bichette won’t be signing an extension, making him a free agent in a few months.
Realistically, the Phillies aren’t going to trade Andrew Painter for just a rental player. While Philadelphia has the financial resources to pursue Bichette, free agency always carries uncertainty. The Phillies would likely demand significant value in return for Toronto’s second-best player, which could complicate any trade talks. Still, Bichette would be a key foundational piece who could meaningfully boost Philly’s chances in the NL postseason race.
Currently, Trea Turner handles shortstop duties for the Phillies, but his defensive struggles have increased over time. A move to centerfield seems overdue, whether Turner is on board or not. This shift would strengthen the Phillies’ somewhat weak outfield while keeping their infield talent intact.
If the Phillies prefer to keep Turner at shortstop, Bichette could move to second base, with Bryson Stott and Edmundo Sosa sharing third base responsibilities. This would free up Alec Bohm, who might also serve as a valuable trade asset—potentially even as part of a deal for Bichette. After a slow start to the season with no home runs in the first two months, Bichette exploded in May with seven homers, showing signs of returning to the slugging form he displayed during his 2023 All-Star season. Adding Bichette would go a long way toward stabilizing and boosting what is already an elite Phillies lineup.
2. Phillies should float Andrew Painter to A’s for young sluggers
The Athletics have been showcasing a strong offensive performance thanks to their young talent, but their pitching staff ranks as the worst in MLB. From the starting rotation to the bullpen, they struggle to hold leads. Acquiring one of baseball’s brightest young pitchers—with a long team-control window at just 22 years old—would be a smart move for a franchise operating under financial constraints.
So, what could the Phillies get in return? Names like Lawrence Butler and Tyler Soderstrom come to mind. The A’s lineup lacks established stars, aside from maybe Brent Rooker, but adding power-hitting outfielders in their early to mid-20s is a worthwhile gamble. Butler has thrived as the A’s leadoff hitter, while Soderstrom brings 12 home runs this season and positional versatility, having played catcher, first base, and outfield. That flexibility could be valuable for a veteran Phillies roster facing a demanding regular season.
Could Philadelphia realistically land Butler and Soderstrom—the Athletics’ best young hitters? It might be a stretch. Still, acquiring a long-term outfield fixture and extra prospect depth in exchange for a potential top-of-the-rotation ace is a trade worth exploring, especially as the A’s look toward their future move to Las Vegas and may be hesitant to buy at the deadline.
1. Phillies can send Andrew Painter to Boston for disgruntled Rafael Devers
This could be the biggest move and a realistic return for a prospect of Painter’s caliber. The Boston Red Sox have been struggling, though Rafael Devers isn’t the cause—he’s posted a solid .918 OPS with 12 home runs. Still, controversy surrounds him due to his unusual positional situation.
Devers spent his career as a third baseman until this season, when Alex Bregman’s arrival forced him into the DH role—something he initially resisted. Though he eventually accepted the change, Devers made it clear he wouldn’t return to the field to cover for an injured Triston Casas at first base, feeling Boston had already pushed him out of the infield.
While his production has calmed some fans, tension remains between Devers and the front office. Boston isn’t in a hurry to trade the 28-year-old, who is under contract through 2033, but this could be a good moment to move a defensively limited player with a sizable salary commitment through age 36. The Phillies, known for handling large long-term contracts, have an open third base spot if they decide to move Alec Bohm, which could allow Devers to return to his preferred position.
Though Philadelphia’s defense might take a hit without Devers, his bat more than compensates. Slotting him into the heart of the lineup behind Trea Turner and Bryce Harper would instantly make the Phillies one of the most potent offenses east of Los Angeles. It’s a very tempting prospect.