The Philadelphia Phillies have won their last few games after the firing of manager Rob Thomson, but still have a long way to go before they can get back into contention. They are still 12-19 and sit 9 1/2 games back of first place in the National League East.
They are also six games back in the wild card race. Needless to say, it’s going to take a major turnaround for them to be back in the postseason, and while there is still a lot of time left in the season, now would be the best time to do it so they can overcome the big hole they have dug themselves.
Things have gotten so bad in fact, that three-time National League MVP Bryce Harper’s name has come up in possible trade speculation. If the Phillies want to trade him, they can get a king’s ransom in return. Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report listed a couple of teams that could be good fits for him, and one of them was the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“There’s no way Ildemaro Vargas keeps this up,” Rymer wrote. “He’s been tearing it up with a 23-game hit streak and a .378 average overall, but he’s also a 34-year-old who had a career 78 OPS+ before this season.
“Once Vargas’ early-season magic inevitably dries up, the Snakes will need a proven middle-of-the-order threat to help Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte and Geraldo Perdomo shoulder the burden in their offense.”
What Can Phillies Get for Harper?
Obviously, the Phillies will have to be completely blown out of the water by an offer to even consider trading Harper. Despite their struggles, they do still have a lot of good pieces in place, which could allow them to easily bounce back in 2o27.
But Harper’s five years of club control would certainly boost his trade value, and if the Phillies even consider shopping him, they have the leverage to set the price high and get the best possible return for him.
Only then will the Phillies consider trading him. If they do, they certainly can bring back a good haul that sets them up well for the future. If they can’t turn things around, then they certainly have a lot of questions to answer at the trade deadline, especially when it comes to the possibility of trading Harper.
Harper’s Potential Fit with D-Backs
Arizona is an interesting team, to say the least. In no way are they on par with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. However, they are at least a team that should be in the mix for a wild card spot.
So, Harper would have the opportunity to play for a contender at the very least, but the question is whether or not the Diamondbacks are enough of one for him to even consider waiving his no-trade clause.
That certainly complicates matters here, but the Diamondbacks have a strong farm system, which could help them pull off a potential deal.
We’ll see where things stand at the deadline and if a deal ends up being possible.
Phillies Trade Concept Lands Bryce Harper with Unexpected NL West Team