The expectation is that the Philadelphia Phillies will return the services of ace starter Zack Wheeler next week, as the 35-year-old righty is making his final rehab start on Sunday. With Zack Wheeler’s return, starter Taijuan Walker’s job is in serious jeopardy, and his future with the Phillies might be as well.
In a recent MLB mock trade by SI.com’s Patrick McAvoy, the Phillies are predicted to link up with the Houston Astros in a blockbuster trade that would send Walker and two top-15 prospects to the Houston Astros in exchange for All-Star infielder Isaac Paredes. The Phillies could use another high-impact bat, and it seems like Walker’s days in the Phillies rotation are numbered at the moment. Walker signed a four-year, $72 million contract before the 2023 season and has mostly been a bust while pitching for Philly.
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Is This a Dream Trade Idea for the Phillies?
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 9: Zack Wheeler #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch in the top of the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park on July 9, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Honestly, at this point, the Phillies might be willing to trade Taijuan Walker for a couple of prospects that have semi-high upside. It will be hard to find a trade partner due to Walker’s contract status, but if the Phillies agreed to take on some of the remaining money in the deal, Dave Donbrowski is likely more than comfortable parting ways.
In 18.2 innings this season, Taijuan Walker has an ERA north of 9.00, and he’s given up six home runs and 19 earned runs. Over 398+ innings pitched with the Phillies over parts of four seasons, Walker holds a 5.08 ERA with the club, and that doesn’t seem to be trending in a positive direction with the way he’s pitched as of late.
Here’s why McAvoy believes a deal could be in the near future:
“The Phillies surprisingly need some more offense. Paredes isn’t a perfect fit, but with both Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott struggling, find a way to work in his bat across the infield or DH, if Kyle Schwarber needs a day. The Astros need pitching of any kind. That’s not to say Walker is having a good season so far, but this would be a starting point at least. The Astros also need a lefty-hitting outfielder. Nori is an intriguing prospect in Double-A. Throw in another pitching prospect and see if the Astros are willing to talk.”
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What Would Adding Isaac Paredes Mean for Phillies?
If the Phillies could actually land Isaac Paredes for this trade package, it would be a ‘no-brainer’ YES from the front office.
Paredes offers a much higher power upside than both Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott, and it could be a good time for the Astros to trade away Paredes while he’s also off to a pretty slow start to the season.
However, adding Paredes would bring in a power-slugging infielder with the ability to hit 25-30 home runs/162 games played.
McAvoy also lists Isaac Paredes as a top-five trade candidate this season.
If the Astros make him available, expect several teams to make real calls about a potential deal.
And as for Taijuan Walker, the most likely outcome when Zack Wheeler returns is that he will join the bullpen, but due to the struggles and likely trust level with the Phillies coaching staff, Walker can’t really be used in a leverage role, so trading him might be the most optimal option.
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Phillies Trade Prediction Offloads $72 Million Bust Pitcher for Astros’ Isaac Paredes as Zack Wheeler’s Return Looms