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Predicting Phillies’ biggest move before MLB trade deadline

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Predicting Phillies’ biggest move before MLB trade deadline

Originally posted on MLB on ClutchPoints
By Joey Mistretta, ClutchPoints | Last updated Jul 15, 2026 7:55 PM ET

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The Philadelphia are 54-43 and only two games out of first place in the National League East standings ahead of the second half of the MLB season. While Philadelphia is in a quality position, the roster could use some upgrades. Two of their more pressing needs stem from the offense and the pitching rotation. Specifically, the Phillies need a right-handed hitter, while adding another starter to the rotation would not be a bad idea. So, why not address those needs in one big trade with the San Francisco Giants?

The Giants are expected to sell ahead of the MLB trade deadline. While some of their biggest name position players such as Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman and Willy Adames may be available, none of those players make sense for Philadelphia.

Bryce Harper is willing to move from first base back to the outfield, but acquiring first baseman Rafael Devers would give the team another left-handed hitter. Meanwhile, Trea Turner is at shortstop so the Phillies do not need Willy Adames. Matt Chapman would not represent much of an offensive upgrade over Alec Bohm at third base. It is worth mentioning that Chapman is injured at the moment.

Casey Schmitt is not the biggest name, but he is exactly who the Phillies should look to trade for from an offensive standpoint. He can play third base, would represent an upgrade over Bohm, and he is a right-handed slugger. Schmitt is also under contract through 2028 while Bohm will enter free agency after the ’26 campaign.

What about on the pitching side?

Phillies should trade for Robbie Ray and Casey Schmitt from Giants

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Robbie Ray is a good trade candidate for the Phillies. ClutchPoints previously broke down the perfect trade proposal the Phillies could offer the Giants for Ray. Including Schmitt in the deal would change things obviously, but Ray is the perfect fit for Philadelphia either way.

Ray will be a free agent after the season. The Phillies are hungry for a World Series this year, however. Acquiring a veteran such as Ray who does have playoff experience makes sense. Cristopher Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo were All-Stars this year, while Zack Wheeler was more than deserving of an All-Star selection. Beyond those three pitchers, though, the Phillies’ rotation has questions.

Bringing in Ray would provide the Phillies with four extremely strong pitchers for a postseason series. Ray has not necessarily been dominant this year, but he has been quite good overall. The southpaw currently holds a 3.38 ERA across 19 outings to go along with 90 strikeouts in his 106.2 innings of work on the mound.

So, what would it take to acquire both Schmitt and Ray? One has to wonder if Philadelphia would consider moving former top prospect Andrew Painter in the deal. Schmitt is a rising star at third base and Painter’s high ceiling may be what entices a team such as the Giants to move the infielder.

While the Phillies probably would not move any of their current top three prospects in this specific trade, including their No. 4 or No. 5 overall prospects — infielder Aroon Escobar or outfielder Dante Nori — could be an option. A trade centered around Escobar or Nori, Painter and a few other prospects may be enough to get the deal done.

Ray is a rental which provides risk. As mentioned, winning the World Series is the goal, though. If the Phillies are serious about upsetting the Los Angeles Dodgers in the postseason, going all in on a big trade such as this makes sense.

It’s a bold prediction, but look for the Phillies to acquire Ray and Schmitt from the Giants before the MLB trade deadline.

This article first appeared on MLB on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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