The Philadelphia Phillies are off to a slow start and are falling behind in the National League East. The good news is the Phillies will return Zack Wheeler to the starting rotation soon, but the Phillies are in jeopardy of falling too far behind in a competitive NL.
Should Dave Dombrowski make a mid-season trade to try to turn things around? A recent mock MLB trade by SI.com’s Ryan Shea features the Phillies and Boston Red Sox linking up in a trade that would send Jarren Duran to Philly for Andrew Painter and prospects Cade Obermueller and Devin Saltiban.
More MLB on Heavy: New York Yankees Make Anthony Volpe Decision Before Red Sox Series
Is This a Trade the Phillies Would Consider?
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JULY 08: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Colorado Rockies during the seventh inning at Fenway Park on July 08, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Andrew Painter is supposed to take the place of Zack Wheeler once Wheeler is ready to give up the game of baseball. 2026 is the season when Painter is expected to see an extended run at a rotation spot.
It’s still early, but Painter has looked the part this season by making three starts and posting an ERA of 4.42 in 18.2 innings and 20 strikeouts.
Shea explains why this trade could work for both sides:
“The Phillies would make this trade because, despite being 8–14 and sitting 4th in the NL East, they believe they are still close enough to compete and just need an offensive spark to stabilize their season. Jarren Duran offers exactly that type of upside: elite speed, defense, and the ability to change games even when the bat is inconsistent.”
Although Jarren Duran has struggled a bit this season, the Phillies would be picking up an All-Star caliber outfielder who has averaged more than 40 XBH in each of the last two seasons.
It’s hard to see Philadelphia actually trading away Andrew Painter, who has electric stuff for a 23-year-old starter, but Dave Dombrowski has shown a willingness over the past couple of years to make wholesale changes.
More MLB on Heavy: Yankees Trade Idea Lands Astros’ Bryan Abreu for 23-Year-Old Pitching Prospect
What Other Trades Could the Phillies Make?
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 26: Seth Johnson #51 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches against the New York Yankees during their game at Yankee Stadium on July 26, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The idea of this trade sort of makes sense of paper, but it’s unlikely to happen because the Phillies’ front office wants to see much more of Andrew Painter before they make a drastic decision on him.
Plus, Jarren Duran hasn’t been productive this season, so even a player-swap deal between the Phillies and Red Sox might not make sense because Painter might have more value to the Phillies right now.
Instead, Philly should consider trading either Bryson Stott or Alec Bohm for an outfielder.
More MLB on Heavy: Red Sox-Phillies Trade Prediction Swaps Jarren Duran for All-Star Infielder
Phillies Trade Prediction Lands Red Sox’ All-Star Outfielder for Andrew Painter