Ahead of MLB trade deadline, here’s where the Phillies stand

The Phillies are firmly in the mix for another postseason push after a disastrous start that culminated in the firing of manager Rob Thomson. The club is arguably playing its best baseball of the year right now — complete with wacky ninth-inning comebacks, excellence from Cristopher Sánchez and Zack Wheeler atop the rotation and contributions up and down the lineup.

Plenty can change between late June and the trade deadline on Aug. 3, but the Phillies are positioned to be buyers. The gap between the Phillies and Braves in the National League East has narrowed in recent weeks and, regardless, the Phillies sit firmly in wild-card territory. They have every reason to seek reinforcements.

Here is an overview of the Phillies’ outlook as the trade deadline nears.

Record: 47-37

Record this time last season: 49-35 (through 84 games)

Standing: second in NL East

Playoff odds: 87.4 percent (FanGraphs), 69.6 percent (Baseball Reference)

If the season ended today: They would make the postseason as a wild-card team.

Biggest series between now and the deadline: The Phillies will play the Dodgers in Philadelphia from July 20-22. This should be a good test of where the Phillies’ offense stands against playoff-caliber pitching.

Current needs:  It would be unsurprising if the Phillies upgraded in the outfield — maybe in right, where they have played a mix of Gabriel Rincones Jr., Brandon Marsh and Derek Hill after Adolis Garcia’s season-ending lat injury. And, while Alan Rangel is getting some run as the Phillies’ fifth starter, don’t rule out the acquisition of a swingman or fifth starter type.

History says: Last season, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski had perhaps his best deadline with the Phillies, acquiring closer Jhoan Duran, along with center fielder Harrison Bader, who played two of the best months of his career in Philadelphia. The Phillies have recently sought bullpen help at the deadline, adding Tanner Banks and Carlos Estévez in 2024 and Duran in 2025, but may buck the trend this year given their strong depth.

What will determine what they do: As long as the Phillies keep winning, they will be buyers at the deadline. It is difficult to envision a world where they do not seek upgrades.

What should they do: The Phillies should go all-in on improving their lineup where they can. This group of superstars isn’t getting younger; who knows how many strong seasons are left with this core? There is no reason to stand pat.

Trades may require some creativity given the state of the Phillies’ farm system, which ranks among the league’s worst. Perhaps they trade from the major-league roster to alleviate the strain on the farm system. However they make it happen, the Phillies could certainly use a better bat and maybe some starting depth.