The Philadelphia Phillies made the MLB playoffs last season as the third wild card team, making an October run all the way to the World Series. One season later, Philadelphia is shaping up to be one of the biggest question marks at the trade deadline.
MLB trade rumors have begun flying in June, with an early look at what players will be available and what teams are buying or selling. The Phillies are sitting further down in the MLB standings than anyone expected, struggling to climb their way back to the .500 mark.
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In an interview with Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Phillies’ president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski addressed his approach to the 2023 trade deadline. While he has been a seller in the past, he doesn’t view this year’s Phillies as being in the same position as the 2015 Detroit Tigers.
“We watched that club. It never could get going. It would go a little bit, but it would sputter. It just was in my heart that we weren’t quite good enough. But we’re far away from that type of statement here.”
Dave Dombrowski on whether or not the Philadelphia Phillies will be sellers at trade deadline
A strong start in June is likely helping provide Dombrowski with more confidence in the Phillies’ playoff hopes. When play began on Friday, Philadelphia had the fifth-best record in June (5-2) and started climbing back into the postseason picture.
If Dombrowski opts against selling, he will have to make several moves to improve the roster. Through the first 62 games, the Phillies rank 21st in runs scored, 16th in OBP, 20th in ERA and 18th in batting average allowed to opponents.
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Of equal concern for Philadelphia, it is 9-18 against teams with a winning record this season and has one of the worst run differentials (-29) in the majors. While injuries have played a role in the slow start, the season itself has been a disappointment for a club with one of the highest payrolls in baseball.
While there will be several quality starting pitchers, relievers and hitters available for trade this summer, Dombrowski will face challenges to acquire him because of the Phillies’ shallow farm system. Ultimately, if things don’t improve, it could be a quiet trade deadline in Philadelphia.