The Philadelphia Phillies were eliminated from the postseason after a crushing loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS. If they want to compete with the Dodgers’ superteam next season, they will need to recruit another superstar.
Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report believes they may find one in Detroit Tigers Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, who is leaving the organization. The Phillies have the resources to deal for him, which might make their rotation invincible.
“Adding Skubal to a rotation with Cristopher Sánchez and Zack Wheeler would give the Phillies a rotation that could rival their vaunted 2011 quartet of Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, and Roy Oswalt, particularly if Aaron Nola bounces back next season…” Still, the Phillies are on this list because they have young players like Painter, Justin Crawford, and Aidan Miller who may interest the Tigers. “Alec Bohm is a change-of-scenery candidate who could make sense as a secondary piece returning to Detroit if the team isn’t satisfied with Colt Keith, Jace Jung, and Zach McKinstry at the hot corner next season,” Kelly wrote.
Kelly observed that the Phillies were hesitant to deal up Painter for Garrett Crochet last offseason and this summer at the deadline, so this potential trade may work. However, they should strive to work out a contract with their other prospects and young talent.
With Skubal leading the rotation, the Phillies would have a Cy Young winner and three All-Stars. They would have the best rotation in the NL East, and maybe the whole NL.
Hopefully, the Phillies recognize this and begin preparing a package to give the Tigers. Many other clubs will be fighting for the ace, so the Phillies should get a jump start now.