The defending National League champion Philadelphia Phillies had a pedestrian first half of the season, posting a 48-41 record ahead of this week’s All-Star Break.
After starting 32-34, Philadelphia went 16-7 in its final 23 games heading into the break. It has led to some confidence that a second-half run could be in the cards, especially with the return of former NL MVP Bryce Harper to full health.
Could this recent run also lead to general manager Sam Fuld making a big move ahead of the Aug. 1 MLB trade deadline? We’re not too sure.
With that said, Jon Heyman of the NY Post penned a piece recently linking the Phillies to current San Diego Padres star and impending free agent Juan Soto.
Heyman focused on the relationship Soto has with former Nationals teammates who are currently members of the Phillies, including Harper and Trea Turner. Philadelphia hitting coach Kevin Long also worked with Soto in the nation’s capital.
The link has more to do with MLB free agency this coming winter. However, Soto is among the names that are likely to be available ahead of the in-season trade deadline. The idea would be Philadelphia acquiring Soto from the Padres as a rental with the hopes that the two-month marriage would lead to a long-term relationship.
San Diego is giving mixed signals as it relates to the team’s trade deadline plans. The Padres are currently in fourth place in the National League West with a disastrous 43-47 record. Whether general manager A.J. Preller would move Soto to the team San Diego lost to in the NLCS last season remains to be been. But it makes some sense for both sides.
Related: Updated MLB trade tracker with grades
Philadelphia Phillies could use Juan Soto in the middle of the lineup
Philadelphia heads into Friday’s action against the aforementioned Padres ranked 10th in MLB in batting. However, the team ranks in the second half of the game in home runs. It’s one of the issues we saw during the first half of the season.
Soto, 24, has hit north of 20 homers in five of his first six MLB seasons. While he’s struggled to an extent in San Diego since being acquired midway through last season (.255 average, .854 OPS), a return to the east coast would do him well.
There is some thought that Soto’s struggles have coincided with him being further away from his native Dominican Republic than when he played in Washington.
As for a potential fit, Soto has played primarily left field in San Diego. Though, he also has experience playing right field. The Philadelphia Phillies could insert him in at either spot, providing flexibility moving forward.
It’s at least something to think about with the MLB trade deadline less than three weeks away.