Inside The Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies Linked as Trade Suitor for Cubs Starter

The Philadelphia Phillies have been linked as a potential trade destination for a Chicago Cubs starter.

Kade Kistner

Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports
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The Philadelphia Phillies could have another starting pitcher on their radar. 

Inside the Phillies has already mentioned the link between the Phillies and Chicago Cubs ace Marcus Stroman.

But now, Cubs starter Drew Smyly has been linked to Philadelphia. 

Here is what the piece says about the potential fit.

"With any starting pitcher discussion, the Philadelphia Phillies are in the market for a fifth one. Right-handers Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola are the two team aces but those performances can be hit-and-miss.

MLB top-10 prospect Andrew Painter got hurt in the spring and is slowly working his way back. Bailey Falter lost his role and was sent back to Triple-A Lehigh.That last part has left the Phillies short on options every fifth day as whoever they have available immediately down in the minors is either hurt or underperforming. They also can't exhaust the bullpen.

Smyly fits the needs of Philadelphia: consistent, reliable, and has a winning record." 

Additionally, Smyly would be an extra year of control. He would slot in nicely with an underperforming rotation and would be seen as much more significant upgrade than the addition of Noah Syndergaard last season. 

If the Phillies are intent on competing this season, even with their dismal start, the the franchise will need to look at making significant acquisitions that will prove to be game changers. 

Smyly fits the bill.

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl.  During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated.  Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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