Phillies already involved in trade market for one kind of outfielder, per MLB GMs

Phillies already involved in trade market for one kind of outfielder, per MLB GMs originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Philadelphia Phillies are likely to be buyers at this year’s MLB trade deadline, and there is one very clear need they must address: outfield help.

Adolis Garcia might be done for the season, and with Justin Crawford performing below expectations, the Phillies’ need for a star outfielder, ideally a right-handed hitting one, is very clear.

According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, rival MLB general managers told him that the Phillies are already searching the trade market for one kind of outfielder, specifically an “impact” outfielder who can provide a spark for this offense.

Phillies searching for impact outfielder in trade market

“I’m being told by GMs that the Phillies’ front office is on the prowl for an impact outfielder,” Bowden writes.

While someone like Mike Trout is likely off the table, the Phillies could still land someone who could provide a spark to the offense this summer.

Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins might be the best possible outfielder they could add, as he’s one of the best power-hitters in baseball this season and might be available for trade despite his no-trade clause.

Bowden also tabbed Wilyer Abreu and Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox as possible trade options, both of which could provide a spark to the offense, but not to the degree to which Buxton would.

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While those two Red Sox outfielders would be nice additions, the Phillies more realistically need to add a right-handed hitting outfielder. They have enough left-handed hitters right now.

If the Phillies could come out of the trade deadline with a new right-handed hitting outfielder, especially one who is an impact bat at the plate, then it would be a win for Dombrowski and company.

Rival GMs told Bowden, a former GM himself, that the Phillies are actively searching for an impact bat to add to the outfield. It’s no surprise at all, considering the team’s need became more dire after the Garcia injury.

But, it’s still nice to hear that the Phillies aren’t simply looking to add another Harrison Bader or Austin Hays type, and instead are trying to find a batter for the outfield who can provide more of an impact than a typical rental.

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