2019 MLB Trade Deadline
Loser: Philadelphia Phillies
They simply didn’t do enough. The division-leading Braves added Shane Greene and his 1.18 ERA while the Nationals added a handful of relievers as well.
The Phillies acquired Jason Vargas and Corey Dickerson when David Robertson just went down for the year and they were already missing Andrew McCutchen.
Dickerson seems like a good solution, as he carries a .315/.373/.551 slash line, but he has struggled with injuries this year.
The pitching is the real issue.
The Phillies are just a half-game out of the wild card and their offense is finally starting to come to life along with Jake Arrietta, but they could have used another arm. Zach Eflin and Nick Pivetta have been shaky. In the bullpen, Hector Neris and Seranthony Dominguez haven’t been as effective as last year.
Drew Smyly has been pitching like a man reborn, allowing just one run in two starts spanning 13 innings, but after an 8.42 ERA with the Texas Rangers last year it’s fair to question if that will last.
After spending big in the offseason and now on the bubble of playoff contention, it’s just a wonder why the Phillies didn’t do more at the deadline.