The Philadelphia Phillies have a couple of glaring needs headed into the 2026 Trade Deadline.
A right‑handed bat to stabilize the lineup against left‑handed pitching.
A pair of reliable back‑end bullpen arms.
And most importantly, a back‑end rotation starter.
That fifth rotation spot has defeated the Phillies this entire year. Made up from failing prospect Andrew Painter, Alan Rangel and a series of openers, the Phillies fifth starters combined hold a 1-15 record with a 6.85 ERA and 17 home runs allowed in 90 2/3 innings.
According to Cole Weintraub of NBC Sports Philadelphia, the last time that the Phillies won a game with their fifth starter on the mound was on May 18th. The spot in the rotation has become a scheduled loss of the team.
The Phillies' weak farm system has struggled to produce a sustainable starter, so turning to the farm right now is unrealistic. The main starting prospect generating noise has been Gage Wood.
With Double-A Reading, Wood holds a 3.58 ERA with 48 strikeouts in 32 2/3 innings. He ranks as the Phillies No. 2 prospect. He is clearly apart of the team's future, so rushing him to the big leagues this year is not the smartest idea.
The Phillies will have to look outward for a starter but the Trade Deadline is quickly approaching on August 3, who can the team look to?
Prior to his injury, Casey Mize of the Detroit Tigers looked to be a great trade target for the Phillies. Mize holds a 2.79 ERA in 80 2/3 innings. He does not have overpowering stuff but he would be an excellent add to any rotation. The 29-year-old would be a rental and should not cost the team much.
Another option could be New York Yankees' Ryan Yarbrough. The Yankees have an incredible amount of pitching depth and could let go of Yarbrough for the right price. The 34-year-old starter/bulk reliever holds a 3.86 ERA in 39 2/3 innings. He is also a free agent next season.
Lastly, the team could look to José Soriano of the Los Angeles Angels. Soriano had an unreal start to the season but has taken a dip since, he still posts a good 3.49 ERA on the season. The Phillies could look to package him in with outfielder Jo Adell, killing two birds with one stone, or rather with one team.
