Previously, we took a look at some of the top targets the Phillies should be looking at on the mound to help bolster their roster before the MLB Trade Deadline on August 2nd. It would certainly help their playoff chances, but this is a team that looks like they’ll need multiple moves to give themselves the best possible shot at making it to the postseason. That’s why we’re also breaking down some of the top position player targets that Dave Dombrowksi should be calling about to try and pry them away from their current teams. Here’s who they are:
Josh Bell – 1B/DH, Washington Nationals
All of the focus with the Nationals is on Juan Soto and what it would take to trade for a 23 year old superstar, but perhaps there’s a better option in the nation’s capital. Josh Bell still boasts plus power from both sides of the plate and is batting .302 this season on a team that doesn’t give him much lineup protection. The issue with Bell is that it wouldn’t be clear where he slots in position-wise to the Phillies’ roster, but with Rhys Hoskins’ recent struggles in the field, it’s possible that a 1B upgrade could be in the cards if Dombrowski wants to make a splash move. It’s not really a need, but Bell is a talented enough hitter that he’s worth a phone call.
Brandon Drury – INF/OF, Cincinnati Reds
Yes, Brandon Drury has really become a trade deadline target in the year 2022. It’s a remarkable turn of events for the utility player that signed a minor league deal with the Reds this offseason, but it’s now reality. Drury has defensive versatility, is batting .274, and has 19 home runs, already a career best. Drury would not be a lock to be an every-day player in Philly, but he’s a better option than both Johan Camargo and Yairo Munoz as a rotational infielder. He also adds a right handed bat to the bench which gives Manager Rob Thomson a little more flexibility. So yeah, Drury is a smaller move that could pay bigger dividends for a contender like the Phillies.
Whit Merrifield – 2B/OF, Kansas City Royals
The 2nd Royal on this list, Merrifield is the less attractive option to trade for when compared to Benintendi, (the former is only batting .247 with 5 homers) but he could still fill an outfield need for the Phillies. The 33 year old is under contract through 2023 with an option for 2024, which is not ideal for a player of his age, but also means that the price tag should not be too demanding. If the Phillies want to improve the center field position while not having to part with any of their top prospects/players, Merrifield could fit into that mold.
Michael A Taylor – OF, Kansas City Royals
Let’s go Royals nuts! Why not, right? Taylor is another outfielder in Kansas City, but unlike Merrifield and Benintendi, his prowess lies in center field. Can Benintendi and Merrifield handle that position? Sure, but they won’t play it like Taylor, who is a gold glove level defender out there. Defense is certainly a need for the Phillies, but they would also be adding an outfielder who is batting .276 with 6 homers on the year, both marks better than what Merrifield has posted. Taylor also has another year on his contract, which would fill the need at center next season too. Of all available players so far, I might like Taylor the most as far as fit for the Phils.
Bryan Reynolds – OF, Pittsburgh Pirates
The Phillies will see Reynolds up close and personal later this week when they travel to Pittsburgh to take on their cross-state rivals. If the Phillies are smart, they’ll find a way to steal Reynolds and bring him back to Philadelphia with them. Reynolds is batting .257 with 15 homers, and plays a solid outfield. He was an All-Star last year, is only 27, and is signed through 2023. The market may be a little too competitive for the Phils to end up with him, but Reynolds would be an excellent addition to the team, both in the short and long terms.
Shohei Ohtani/Juan Soto – Superstars, LA Angels and Washington Nationals
Come on Dave, you know you want to do it. Go trade for another superstar. Give your whole farm system up if you have to!! I know this is totally unrealistic and absolutely will not happen, but could you imagine if one of those dudes ended up in pinstripes? How awesome would that be?? Hey, a man can dream, right?