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Three hitters Phillies could consider at MLB trade deadline
Boston Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran (16) hits a two-run RBI against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning at Fenway Park. Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Three hitters Phillies could consider at MLB trade deadline

By Lauren Amour  |  Last updated Jun 4, 2025 5:50 PM ET

The Major League Baseball trade deadline is quickly approaching on July 31. 

Although the Philadelphia Phillies' priority should be adding to their bullpen, which has a 4.67 ERA entering Wednesday, at the deadline, picking up another bat certainly wouldn't hurt, especially one that can play center field.

Let's examine some affordable trade options the Phillies should consider at the deadline.

Luis Robert Jr., CF, Chicago White Sox

Robert Jr. has long been linked to the Phillies. However, the 27-year-old has lost some of his luster this season. The righty bat is hitting just .177 with a .553 OPS for Chicago this year, sporting just five home runs and 21 RBI. The one-time Silver Slugger does have a league-leading 21 stolen bases, though.

Still, it's a far cry from his 2023 All-Star season in which he belted 38 homers, drove in 80 runs, and stole 20 bases to the tune of a .264/.315/.542 slash line. This is what initially made Robert Jr., a former Gold Glove Award winner, so appealing to Philadelphia, because the club is in dire need of a center fielder with some pop. The platoon of Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas isn't good enough for a contending team.

Perhaps that's what Robert Jr. needs to awaken his bat — a change of scenery and an opportunity to compete. The White Sox certainly aren't providing that. That said, Chicago has turned down multiple Phillies' offers in the past, and Robert Jr. must prove himself offensively once again.

Jarren Duran, CF, Boston Red Sox

Duran had a breakout season in 2024, being named to his first All-Star Game and winning the ASG MVP Award. The 28-year-old led the majors in doubles (48) and triples (14), adding 21 home runs, 75 RBI and 34 stolen bases. He hasn't gotten off to as torrid a start as last year but is batting .273 with 17 doubles and a MLB-leading six triples in 2025.

A package of Duran and closer Aroldis Chapman has been floated as a potential trade for the Phillies. Not only would this solve two significant issues for Philadelphia, but Dave Dombrowski, its president of baseball operations, was in the Red Sox organization from 2015 to 2019 and drafted Duran in the seventh round in 2018. 

Depending on the cost, this could be an intriguing deal for the Phillies. Duran is currently on a one-year, $3.85M deal with a 2026 team option, while Chapman is signed to a one-year, $10.75M contract.

Ryan O'Hearn, 1B, Baltimore Orioles

Although O'Hearn is primarily a first baseman, he can play corner outfield, too. He wouldn't be the ideal fit for the Phillies, but his left-handed power is undeniable. The 31-year-old has completely turned his career around since joining the Orioles in 2023.

The veteran has a .812 OPS with 38 homers and 142 RBI across 304 games with Baltimore, accumulating 5.2 bWAR. Philadelphia already has plenty of lefty pop in its lineup with 1B Bryce Harper and DH Kyle Schwarber, but if the club can also acquire a reliever in a deal for O'Hearn, why not add some power?

Left fielder Max Kepler hasn't exactly produced offensively the way the Phillies were hoping thus far, with just a .221 batting average and .694 OPS in 54 games. Meanwhile, O'Hearn has a .960 OPS and a .335 average across 50 games. 

Lauren Amour
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Lauren Amour is a writer and editor based in the Greater Philadelphia area. She currently works as an editor and writer at Yardbarker, covering MLB and the Philadelphia Phillies.

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