Phillies Trade Deadline Options

The trade deadline is Thursday, July 31 at 6pm EST. The Phillies’ roster is by no means perfect and is in need of some upgrades. Let’s look at potential options:

Eugenio Suarez, 3B, Arizona Diamondbacks

Eugenio Suarez is the name that has garnered the most buzz as a potential Phillies addition over the past few days. Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported the Phillies and Diamondbacks have had discussions surrounding Suarez, while MLB Insider Hector Gomez went as far as to say the Phillies are “willing to do whatever it takes” to acquire the third baseman. Additionally, Arizona had scouts watching Phillies’ top prospect Mick Abel’s most recent AAA start.

Suarez would be a heck of an addition, but the Phils aren’t the lone suitors. The Mariners - who Suarez played for in 2022 and 2023 - as well as the Cubs have both expressed interest in him, and they’re both firmly in the playoff hunt. 

Suarez - who swatted 49 homers back in 2019 and currently has an impressive 36 HR this season - would not only be a much needed righty bat, but his addition would also come at a critical time, as Alec Bohm has found himself on the 10-day-IL with a rib injury.

Eventually, when Bohm comes back, you would find yourself in a positional log jam. That’s what happens when Bryce Harper has been limited to first base and Kyle Schwarber really isn’t a reliable defender in 2025. Upon Bohm’s return - assuming he isn’t dealt to Arizona in exchange for Suarez - Schwarber may find himself returning to left field, while some combination of Suarez-Bohm-Harper occupy 3B-1B-DH.

In my eyes, you make the trade and deal with that later. The Phillies roster is not getting any younger and the championship window is closing. That’s also why I have no problem saying goodbye to just about any combination of prospects, including Mick Abel. Sure, Suarez will be a free agent at season’s end. But he also has 36 homers, an MLB-leading 87 RBI, and is striking out less than usual (it’s always been a struggle for him throughout his career). Would you rather have a ring or Mick Abel? I’ll take the ring.

Steven Kwan, OF, Cleveland Guardians

Steven Kwan is unlikely to be traded by the Guardians, but wouldn’t that be fun?

At one point, it was rumored that Cleveland may be willing to deal the 2-time All-Star and 3-time Gold Glover, and it’s been said that the Phillies would be interested in that situation. However, ESPN’s Buster Olney recently reported that he doesn’t see it happening. 

But the Phillies interest highlights their need for an outfield upgrade. The LF-CF trifecta of Johan Rojas, Brandon Marsh, and Max Kepler has quite literally been mediocre when they’re at their absolute best. For most of the season, the trio has been downright bad. Kwan, who is an elite defender and base hit machine would be an upgrade for the Phils, but it would come at a high cost - if he were to even be made available.

The Guardians just dropped a series to the Royals, but are only a game below .500, 3.5 games back from a Wild Card spot, and 8 games back of the scuffling Tigers for the AL Central lead. They’ll have to internally assess where they see themselves finishing the 2025 season and if it would be beneficial in the long run to be sellers at the deadline.

Emmanuel Clase, RP, Cleveland Guardians

If the Guardians do in fact decide to sell at the deadline, Emmanuel Clase could be on the move. Clase, who posted a 0.61 ERA a season ago and was a Cy Young Award finalist, has been struggling as of late, but that won’t matter to buyers, such as the Phillies. Every team is in need of bullpen help (because you can never have enough) and undoubtedly the Phillies and other teams will overlook Clase’s 3.23 ERA (and Saturday’s blown save) when they’re on the phone with Cleveland.

He may not be the shut down guy he was a season ago, but Clase has displayed his tremendous ability for a few years now and is widely viewed as one of the best closers in the game. Even with his struggles this season, he’s limited home runs, allowing just two all year - something he’s been excellent at throughout his career. Looking ahead to October, in a hitter’s park like CBP, that could be a huge advantage.

A few weeks ago, Jeff Passan proposed the possibility that the Phillies trade the farm - cattle and all - for Steven Kwan and Clase. While Kwan may not be on the market, Clase could be on the move. And the Phillies - in desperate need of bullpen help - would be foolish to not seriously consider giving up a decent amount for the 27-year-old reliever. 

Jhoan Duran, RP, Minnesota Twins

If Clase is either not available or the price is too steep, Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins may be a solid backup option. Jeff Passan of ESPN penciled the Phillies in as a “great fit” for Duran, who owns a 1.86 ERA in 48.1 innings this season. 

The Twins are in fourth place in the AL Central and will more than likely be selling at the deadline. Byron Buxton has said he will use his no trade clause in the event of him being included in a deal, so that likely makes Duran their best available player - if he is in fact available.

Griffin Jax, RP, Minnesota Twins

Griffin Jax is the other side of the Minnesota Twins relief coin. Jax is a few years older than Duran and isn’t quite as good, with a 4.00 ERA in 45.0 IP. But if Duran isn’t available, Jax likely will be. If they’re both available, he may have the lower asking price - though, that typically doesn’t matter to Dave Dombrowski.

The Phillies already signed David Robertson, showing their understanding of the bullpen issues they’ve had this season. But they need to keep adding. If they don’t come away from the deadline with one of Clase, Duran, Jax, or a late inning guy of similar caliber, their season may end just a few days into October. 

Luis Robert Jr., OF, Chicago White Sox

No. Absolutely not.

The Phillies were reportedly interested in Robert at last year’s deadline and are again this year. I do not know why.

Robert is hitting .206 this season, with a .632 OPS. He’s hardly an upgrade over Max Kepler, who is hitting .205 with a .664 OPS. Robert also strikes out 28.6% of the time and frequently deals with injuries. I don’t understand the infatuation a certain section of the Phillies fanbase has with him, but let’s just hope Dave Dombrowski doesn’t feel the same as them.