Phillies urged by ex-MLB GM to prepare to trade for upgrades at three positions originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Philadelphia Phillies are 8-15, and if it weren't for the New York Mets and their 12-game losing streak, the Phillies would be the laughing stock in MLB.
But, even now, they're one of the worst teams in the league, and desperately need to upgrade the roster after the brutal start to the season. There's a lot wrong with this team, and Dave Dombrowski will have to be busy over the next few months.
Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden of The Athletic is urging the Phillies to prepare for three trades to upgrade three positions, with eyes on Alec Bohm and Adolis Garcia as areas to improve upon this year.
"The front office needs to be working hard on adding more offense to the lineup," Bowden writes, "with right field, left field, and third base the three main target areas. It's too early to make trades, but preparing for them in earnest must start now."
The Phillies have one of the worst records in Major League Baseball this season, and while the pitching staff is partially to blame, the offense has been a massive issue.
Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber are doing well, with a .901 and .917 OPS, respectively. But, other than Justin Crawford (.777 OPS) and Brandon Marsh (.708 OPS), the rest of the lineup is below the .700 OPS mark.
Bowden points to upgrading at third base, and it makes a ton of sense. Bohm is hitting a brutal .128 with a .384 OPS that would be a whole lot worse had it not been for his Opening Day home run.
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Garcia in right field is also a disappointment this season, hitting .210 with a .634 OPS on the year. Once again, right field is an issue for the Phillies.
While Marsh has a decent OPS, and Felix Reyes, the new righty-hitting platoon bat in left field, has a 1.000 OPS in seven at-bats, the Phillies might still need an upgrade there come the trade deadline.
And now, with J.T. Realmuto on the injured list and Rafael Marchan's struggles, the Phillies might also need to explore catching depth in the trade market as well.
Bowden, the former MLB general manager, is urging Dave Dobmrowski and company to pursue trades for a third baseman and both corner outfielders. A new second baseman to replace Bryson Stott and his .511 OPS might be on the table as well.
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