No matter where the Philadelphia Phillies stand at the 2018 trade deadline, they should focus on buying.
At every MLB deadline, there are three types of teams. There are buyers, sellers, and those stuck in the middle. Over the last few seasons, the Philadelphia Phillies have been sellers. This year, regardless of the standings, I would like to see them buy.
Looking at the big picture, the Phillies have every reason to start stockpiling more talent. Rather than hoping to win the offseason sweepstakes for Manny Machado, Bryce Harper, or others they can benefit from a midseason trade in 2018.
Phillies 2018 Trade Deadline Plan
If the Phillies are in contention at the trade deadline this year, it makes sense for them to buy. In which case, there’s no real plan other than to go through the motions.
In a scenario when they’re not competing, Philadelphia needs a better trade deadline plan. Going against some conventional wisdom, they should buy.
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Adding top-level talent with a losing record in July might be too costly for Philadelphia. However, those “missing pieces” might look more affordable.
Guys on multi-year deals playing for bad teams would make sense as possible targets. Most notably, it’s relief pitchers the Phillies should focus on.
As we’ve already seen in the early stages of 2018, this bullpen isn’t very good. Pat Neshek and Tommy Hunter’s placement on the disabled list doesn’t help, but even with them around this isn’t the best relief corps. In fact, things could get downright ugly.
Building for the Future
The Phillies need to start building a better group of relief pitchers sooner than later. Relievers are getting paid more and more in free agency. So the Phillies can afford to add star talent at other positions, it’s better to strike now.
This July, the Phillies need to ask themselves what would benefit them the most. Does selling make them better? I don’t see a scenario where they get much back for anyone on the roster. The few veterans they do have look like they’re with Philadelphia for the long haul.
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It’s not unfathomable for a losing team to actually add at the trade deadline. Though not an exact representation of an example I’ve proposed for Philadelphia, the Baltimore Orioles did make a trade for Tim Beckham last summer. It turned out to be a steal as he put up terrific numbers in the last few months of the season. The Phillies shouldn’t shy away from accomplishing the same.