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Phillies Acquire Pirates' All-Star Outfielder in Trade Idea

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sterling Bennett | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 7:15 PM ET

As the MLB trade deadline inches closer, the Philadelphia Phillies may have a chance to land a key piece for their playoff push. Tim Kelly of On Pattison recently proposed a trade idea that’s gaining attention: Philadelphia should pick up the phone and call the Pittsburgh Pirates about outfielder Bryan Reynolds.

The timing for such a deal might be right. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale , the Pirates are open for business on nearly every player not named Paul Skenes or Oneil Cruz. “Two intriguing players,” Nightengale noted, “are third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes and outfielder Bryan Reynolds.”

Reynolds, a two-time All-Star, is off to a slow start this season, now in year three of an eight-year, $106 million contract. But his ceiling remains high, and a change of scenery could unlock his best form again. For the Phillies, he’d be a clear upgrade in left field, where Max Kepler, set to become a free agent this winter, is currently playing.

Beyond the fit, the need is clear. After last season’s early playoff exit, which saw one of the best offenses in baseball suddenly go quiet, the Phillies know they cannot rely on regular-season success alone. Despite a strong year, they won just one postseason game in 2024, setting the stage for a must-win season in 2025.

Tuesday night’s win over the Toronto Blue Jays helped them bounce back from a modest four-game losing streak, and Bryce Harper’s return ignited the offense. But if Philadelphia wants to avoid another October letdown, reinforcing their lineup now—possibly with Reynolds—could prove essential.

Reynolds is slashing .234/.302/.372 with seven home runs and 34 RBIs. While not impressive numbers, a change of scenery from the league's 26th-ranked offense, according to FanGraphs, could do him wonders. Reynolds is also a switch-hitter, giving Philadelphia further lineup flexibility and a player who can slot in all three outfield positions.

Whether it be replacing Kepler in left or taking over sole possession of center field from Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas, Reynolds may be just what the Phillies need to secure their first World Series championship since 2008.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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