Trade Deadline Preview: Philadelphia Phillies

Jun 1, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) pitches during the ninth inning of a game against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. The Mets won in the eleventh inning 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Who could be moved:

1. Jonathan Papelbon

The Phillies made a big splash signing Papelbon as a free agent prior to the 2012 season and he’s pitched well since joining the organization. However, his contract has become a challenge for a team with plenty of needs. Papelbon is owed $13 Million in 2015 and has a vesting option for the same amount for 2016. If the team can get out from under that obligation, when a high-value closer hardly does any good to a team out of contention, they should. It’s merely a question of how much of it they’ll still be forced to pay in order to facilitate a deal.

2. Marlon Byrd

Moving Byrd may not be as simple as one would think. The New York Mets signed Byrd a year ago, received solid production from him during the season’s first half, and then dealt him in late August to the Pirates for a relatively underwhelming return. He’d reach free agency after the season before signing with the Phillies, facing a similar situation to what he did a year ago. Byrd does have 13 home runs on the year, but has hit just .265/.317/.467. His production is worse than it was at this point a season ago. Should the Phillies move him to a potential contender looking to upgrade their bench, they are likely facing even less of a return than what the Mets saw from him last August. There is little reason to hold onto him, however.

3. Cliff Lee

Lee is in a similar boat to Papelbon from a contract standpoint. He’s owed $25 Million next season and his contract contains a vesting option for 2016 at $27.5 Million. If he’s able to produce a Cliff Lee-like season in 2015, that option will almost certainly kick in. Should the Phillies make him available he could still be one of the top arms on the open market given his track record. The question is, however, just how healthy is Lee at this point in time? He’s been sidelined since early May with a strain in his elbow and his recovery has been slow. He should return within the next week but it’s unclear if he’ll have enough time to demonstrate his health before the deadline.