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Philadelphia Phillies: Where to Go After Missing Machado?

By Phil Akre

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 11: Manager Gabe Kapler #22 of the Philadelphia Phillies in the dugout before a game against the New York Mets at Citi Field on July 11, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 11: Manager Gabe Kapler #22 of the Philadelphia Phillies in the dugout before a game against the New York Mets at Citi Field on July 11, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Despite missing out on Manny Machado, the Philadelphia Phillies figure to be players at the trade deadline. While their positions of need are clear, who should they target?

Much like Brett Brown and the Philadelphia 76ers, the Phillies, too, are “star-hunting.”

They made that much known over the past few days, as they were finalists in the Manny Machado-sweepstakes. It’s a tough bullet to bite for a team that has had its sights set on the superstar infielder for quite some time now.

However, all is not lost. After all, he will be a free agent after the season, and there’s a good (maybe great) chance that Philadelphia signs him.

But, for now, there’s still work to be done. As the trade deadline closes in, the Phillies’ are very much in the hunt for talent.

According to Dennis Lin of the Athletic, the team was very high on San Diego Padres’ reliever Brad Hand. Well, until he was dealt to the Cleveland Indians.

But, Jon Heyman of FanCred Sports’ reported that the team is expected to pick up talks for another Oriole, Zach Britton.

Aside from Britton, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports noted that the Phillies could target Jeurys Familia and Raisel Iglesias, among others.

Despite a valiant effort for Machado, Philadelphia has set its sights on Kansas City Royals’ third basemen Mike Moustakas, according to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki.

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The 29-year-old has put up solid numbers for KC, with a .249 average, 19 HR’s and 58 RBI’s. He figures to be one of the big names dealt this year, mainly due to Kansas City’s rapid downfall.

Another name frequently tied to the Phillies is Minnesota Twins shortstop Eduardo Escobar. Zolecki went on to say that multiple sources have connected him as a potential target of the Phillies. Escobar, 29, is in the midst of a career year, slashing .271 with 14 HR’s, 57 RBI’s and a .834 OPS.

Interestingly, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports’ reported that Toronto Blue Jays’ starter J.A. Happ is viewed highly amongst the organization.

In fact, he is third on their list behind Machado and Britton. Happ figures to be the one of the most coveted arms in a market devoid of top-tier starters.

Next: Should the Red Sox Trade for a Catcher?

This much is clear; the Phillies’ actually have a lot of options after missing out on Machado. The question is, which potential acquisition will even come close to delivering the production they need to hold their grip on the NL East?

Stay tuned.

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