3 potential trade targets for the Philadelphia Phillies

Every season has to be akin to Groundhog Day at this point for the Philadelphia Phillies.

They entered this season with high expectations, a revamped bullpen, and a goal to reach the postseason, just the same as in years past. And again, they find themselves hovering around .500, in third place in the division, and with the same issues as always. Something has to change, and the answer to that was not Joe Girardi.

Three trade targets for Philadelphia Phillies

And yet, there is still hope. The Mets are being hit by injuries and are sliding back to the pack. A bullpen shuffle is underway again, but the Phillies have responded to Girardi being fired. It is enough of a reason to hope that maybe, just maybe, they can sneak into a Wild Card spot. However, it will take a lot of work.

The Philadelphia Phillies have a lot of holes to fill if they want to return to the postseason. Let’s take a look at some potential trade targets.

David Robertson

David Robertson was a part of the Philadelphia Phillies attempts to revamp their bullpen before.

He had received a two year deal with an option for a third year, nominally to help solidify the ninth inning. Instead, he battled injuries, making just seven appearances over the life of his contract, all of which came in 2019. For that time, he received $23 million, ranking him high atop the Phillies’ bullpen bust list.

And yet, he could end up being a part of the answer again. The Phillies are going to a “closer by committee” approach, which just means that they do not have anyone for the ninth. Brad Hand is likely to take that role over, but it does not hurt to have other options just in case.

Now that Robertson is healthy once again, he could be the solution. He has posted a 1.59 ERA and a 0.971 WHiP in his 22.2 innings, striking out 32 batters with ten walks. Even if he does not end up as their closer, he could be a high leverage arm who can help bridge the gap to the ninth inning. The Phillies could desperately use that type of pitcher.

David Robertson did not work out in his stint with the Philadelphia Phillies. Maybe the second time would be the charm.

Mark Melancon

On the whole, Mark Melancon has been awful this year. But he could still be an asset for the Philadelphia Phillies if used properly.

His overall numbers would not indicate as such. Melancon had a 6.04 ERA and a 1.701 WHiP in his 22.1 innings heading into Thursday, striking out 12 batters with five walks. His lack of production would lead to a demotion even in the Phillies’ bullpen now.

But there is more to his season than the overall numbers. Melancon has allowed just two runs, one earned, on seven hits and a walk over 11.1 innings, striking out eight, when notching a save. If his two implosions in save opportunities are removed, he has been excellent as a closer. The problem is when he is used in a non-save situation, where he has allowed 12 runs, eight earned, on 17 hits and four walks, striking out three in 10.1 innings.

Hoping that the Phillies use a reliever in the correct role is a questionable activity at best. However, Melancon has clearly defined splits that even the Phillies could figure out. Add in the fact that the Diamondbacks would likely give him away, and he could be a solid option with a change of scenery.

The Philadelphia Phillies are going to look anywhere they can for bullpen help. Mark Melancon might be a part of the solution with that change of scenery.