The Philadelphia Phillies are the best team in baseball at the All-Star break. With 62 wins, the MLB’s deepest rotation, and a bonafide MVP candidate in Bryce Harper, not much if standing between the Phils and history.
Of course, the MLB playoffs are never predictable. We haven’t had the “expected” World Series matchup in who knows how long. Every contender has weaknesses that can be exploited, which means Philadelphia cannot rest on its laurels at the trade deadline. Every little edge helps once October
If we are searching for the most glaring hole on the Phillies roster, look no further than centerfield. Johan Rojas is a miraculous defender, but he cannot hit at the MLB level. Not yet, at least. Cristian Pache is fine by backup standards, but he also lacks pop and consistency at the plate. If the Phils can put a solid bat in centerfield, it would be a game-changer.
Several viable options have been tossed around. Most expect the Phillies to target help on the margins. Maybe a right-handed platoon bat to split games with Brandon Marsh, or a fringe starter with solid situational utility at the plate, not unlike their division-rival Braves with Adam Duvall and Eddie Rosario.
But, others expect the notoriously aggressive Dave Dombrowski to be, well, aggressive. The Phillies are equipped with deep pockets and a GM who has never shied away from major additions. Philadelphia tends to operate most boldly in the offseason, but a major trade deadline move could mean the difference between a fun regular season and a parade down Broad Street.
