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Phillies Expected to be Aggressive at MLB Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 11:15 AM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies, after getting off to a solid start, have dropped eight of their last nine games. With questions mounting over how the team will contend for a World Series with the current roster, a new report sheds light on the Phillies' plans for the trade deadline.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the Phillies "are expected to be (one of) the most aggressive teams at the trade deadline." Nightengale also reported what the Phillies are expected to pursue: a center fielder and relief pitching.

The Phillies' need in the bullpen has been clear since the beginning of the season. Jordan Romano has been subpar, and has a 7.71 ERA and 31 strikeouts across his 23.1 innings pitched. Jose Alvarado was suspended for 80 games for PEDs and will miss the postseason.

Some of the other bullpen pieces, like Tanner Banks and Orion Kerkering, have flashed solid potential for the Phillies in 2025. But, they're not enough. Led by Matt Strahm, the Phillies' bullpen needs more talent, and the Phillies are expected to pursue that position by the MLB trade deadline.

The other position the Phillies are expected to pursue aggressively is center field. With a platoon of Johan Rojas and Brandon Marsh combining for negative 0.1 WAR, the Phillies need a new solution in center.

Rojas has been decent for the Phillies, and his above-average defense in center, combined with his elite speed, makes his spot in the lineup likely secure. Marsh, on the other hand, hasn't shown enough to deserve a place on the everyday roster.

There aren't as many center field options in the market compared to the relief pitchers available, but the Phillies will still be looking to finally plug that hole, which has been open for the last five seasons.

Dave Dombrowski and the Phillies front office are expected to be among the most aggressive teams at the trade deadline. They're expected to pursue center field and relief pitching, their two biggest needs through the beginning of the year.

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

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