The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to be active ahead of the 2026 MLB trade deadline, with adding an outfielder remaining one of their top priorities.
That need became even more pressing after Adolis Garcia’s injury. However, upgrading the outfield isn’t the only issue the Phillies must address before the deadline. Their bullpen still requires reinforcements, and Aaron Nola’s disappointing season has created another significant concern.
According to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, Nola’s continued struggles could force the Phillies to rethink their trade deadline strategy by pursuing another starting pitcher. With the veteran right-hander failing to deliver consistent performances, Philadelphia may no longer be able to depend on him as a reliable member of the rotation.
Phillies could target starting pitching as Aaron Nola’s struggles reshape trade deadline plans
“Nola’s continued struggles figure to complicate the Phillies’ approach to the Aug. 3 MLB Trade Deadline,” Zolecki wrote. “… It would be nice to focus on a right-handed bat and a high-leverage reliever, but the Phillies need more from the back of their rotation, too.”
While the front office still views a right-handed hitting outfielder and a high-leverage reliever as its primary trade deadline objectives, the starting rotation has unexpectedly become another area that demands attention.
Nola has endured a difficult 2026 campaign, posting a 6.04 ERA with 87 strikeouts and a 3-5 record across 17 starts. After struggling over the past two seasons, his inconsistency has raised serious questions about whether he can continue filling a major role in a rotation with championship aspirations.
If the Phillies hope to contend for a World Series title, they may need to reduce Nola’s responsibilities. Whether that means acquiring another starter to pair with him, bringing in someone capable of pushing him down to the fifth spot in the rotation, or making another adjustment, Philadelphia will likely have to find a solution.
It’s an unexpected challenge for president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and the front office. Ideally, the Phillies would prefer to focus their trade deadline efforts on landing a right-handed bat and another dependable bullpen arm instead of investing valuable resources in another frontline starter.
But with Nola’s struggles continuing throughout the season, starting pitching has suddenly emerged as a legitimate need. His performance could ultimately reshape Philadelphia’s entire approach to the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline, forcing the club to expand its list of priorities as it looks to strengthen a roster built to compete for a championship.