Philadelphia Phillies Could Place Aaron Nola on Trade Block

Aaron Nola made a list of the Top 100 trade targets going into next month, but would the Philadelphia Phillies really do it?

Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Nola is one of those players the Philadelphia Phillies shouldn’t want or need to trade. That may not stop Major League general managers from taking a swing at him.

Would the Phillies bite?

The Athletic compiled a big board of the Top 100 players that are on the radars of front offices around the league with the trade deadline set for Aug. 1.

These are not players that are on the market — at least not yet. But they’re players that general managers and player personnel directors are talking about, per the story.

The Phillies had one player make the list — Nola.

The question surrounding Nola is clear. The Phillies want to extend him. He’s in his ninth year with the franchise and he’s in his age 30 season. He should have plenty of games in front of him.

In March the Phillies and Nola’s representation tried to get something done but were unable to do so. Reportedly he was offered a five-year, $100 million extension. He’s finished in the Top 10 in Cy Young voting three of the last five seasons. He could get more as a free agent.

Guess what Nola is able to become after this season? A free agent.

That’s why the Phillies may have a decision to make — emphasis on the ‘may’ part of that statement. The Phillies, after a slow start, have played their way into Wild Card contention and could stay there. If they do, they would be unlikely to deal him, even if it means losing him in the offseason.

But if the Phillies tail off in the next month? Per the Athletic:

… if something goes wrong, he’ll be the most targeted starting pitcher on the market.

He’s won nearly 100 career games. He was a member of last season’s World Series team. He would be become an instant front-of-the-rotation option for a contender. He would fetch a bushel of talent in return.

But if the Phillies remain Wild Card contenders? Well, that’s the easiest way to solve the trade part of the equation for Nola. 

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