Momentum finally appears to be shifting in the right direction for the Philadelphia Phillies after a much-needed series win over the Chicago Cubs this past weekend. Following a five-game losing streak, the Phillies’ struggling offense broke out in a big way, exploding for 10 runs in a dominant 10-4 victory on Saturday.
Then, on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball, Aaron Nola silenced some of his critics by delivering seven strong innings, allowing just one run. With the back-to-back wins, the Phillies improved to 15-13 and now sit 4.5 games behind the division-leading New York Mets in the NL East standings.
Still, it’s too early to say the Phillies are fully back on track. One big offensive performance isn’t enough to dismiss the concerns raised by their recent lack of extra-base hits. Similarly, although struggling relievers Orion Kerkering and Jordan Romano tossed two clean innings in Sunday’s 3-1 extra-inning win, it’s premature to declare the bullpen issues resolved.
Meanwhile, trade rumors are heating up. Power-hitting prospect Gabriel Rincones Jr. may be on the trade block this summer. Reports suggest the Phillies have shown interest in acquiring Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley. While it’s uncommon to see blockbuster trades so early in the season, the fact that Philadelphia’s front office is even exploring these discussions just 28 games in could signal underlying concern. Such moves typically come at the cost of prospect depth, and with the Phillies’ farm system already thinned by recent trades, questions arise about which prospects—if any—are truly off limits.
According to ESPN’s David Schoenfield, two names are untouchable: elite pitching prospect Andrew Painter, who could debut this summer, and slugging shortstop Aidan Miller, viewed as a potential replacement for Alec Bohm if trade talks involving the third baseman resurface. However, Schoenfield hinted that second-tier prospects like outfielder Gabriel Rincones Jr. and right-handed pitcher Jean Cabrera may be available. Other prospects, such as outfielder Justin Crawford and catcher Eduardo Tait, could also be dealt under the right circumstances.
Rincones Jr. drew early attention during spring training after hitting three home runs in his first 12 at-bats, and he’s continued to produce in Triple-A, batting .250 with three homers and 11 RBIs through 24 games. With Opening Day center fielder Brandon Marsh battling injuries and offensive inconsistency, Rincones Jr. may even warrant a promotion. But long-term planning is vital for a Phillies team trying to remain competitive while also getting younger—a growing necessity in today’s youth-driven MLB landscape.
Ultimately, trading from their pool of B-level prospects like Rincones Jr., Cabrera, and Mick Abel could help the Phillies improve now without sacrificing their top-tier talent. If done right, it’s a strategy that balances short-term upgrades with long-term sustainability.