Could This Philadelphia Phillies Blockbuster Trade Package Get it Done for Ohtani?
Ahead of the 2023 MLB Trade Deadline, the Philadelphia Phillies sit firmly as buyers who are looking to improve their roster.
They've been heavily linked as a potential suitor for San Diego Padres superstar outfielder Juan Soto, however it doesn't seem likely that he'll be on trade block before the deadline.
There's a clear need for the Phillies to upgrade in the outfield. Both the corner outfielders, Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos, are both below average defensively at their positions.
Castellanos has made up for it at the plate, hitting .291/.332/.480 with 14 home runs and 57 RBI, while Schwarber has struggled hitting compared to last season.
Former senior V.P. and general manager in the MLB, Jim Bowden, is now a national writer for The Athletic. He recently wrote a piece highlighting the different trade packages teams could put together to land Ohtani.
Trading for the Japanese phenom is something that could be unprecedented in the history of the league. How many times is the best player in the sport available for a trade? But, Ohtani has made it clear he wants to explore free agency after the season and the Los Angeles Angels should recoup assets.
Philadelphia was not on his list, but if they're serious about making a splash at the deadline, here is a package they could offer.
With Ohtani being both a starting pitcher and outfielder, Bowden's potential trade packages include many pitching and outfield prospects.
That is something the Phillies have in abundance.
With news coming out recently that their top overall prospect, Andrew Painter, getting Tommy John surgery, he could be the future piece the Angels are looking to get back. Painter is also the number eight overall prospect according to MLB.com.
Outfielder Johan Rojas made his MLB debut against the San Diego Padres on July 14th. He's the number six prospect in the farm system but is the closest to major league ready in order to replace Ohtani and with continued questions surrounding Mike Trout's health.
Griff McGarry is another Philadelphia pitching prospect that could interest Los Angeles. In his 10 starts at the AA level, he's holding opponents to a .187 average with 51 strikeouts.
Bowden made it clear in his article that it's going to take a haul to get Ohtani away from the Angels.
A package of Schwarber, Rojas, Painter, McGarry and starting pitcher Taijuan Walker could get the Phillies into the sweepstakes to land the best player in baseball before the deadline.
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