3 Biggest Team Needs for the Philadelphia Phillies Before the MLB Trade Deadline

With a 47-43 record and a third place standing in the NL East, the Philadelphia Phillies will look to be buyers before the 2019 MLB Trade Deadline on July 31. They are a team with a legitimate chance to make a run in October, but they must look to address these three areas of need to make it happen.

1. Left-Handed Starter

Starting pitching in general for the Phillies has been inconsistent at best, with players declining and not living up to preseason hype around them. The pitching in general is ranked 19th in MLB, with a 4.64 ERA. But, the biggest need for this team is a left-handed starter, as they do not have a single one who can be trusted. When it gets to October, it could be an issue if they were to face the Dodgers or Cubs, who both have plenty of left-handed talent that could smash them. There are still left-handed players out there for the Phillies to pursue.

2. Bullpen Depth

The Philadelphia bullpen was once one of the biggest strengths of the team, but with guys continually getting hurt (a total of seven out a couple weeks ago), they need to add closers that will solidify the stability of this unit. They cannot be stuck pulling up guys from the minors as a last resort if they want to make a run during the second half of the season.

3. Center Fielder

With players at the position getting injured this season, center field has been a troublesome position for the Phillies. They should look to acquire a true center fielder instead of having players play out of position to cover up weak points. While there isn't much on the market that also offers the offensive upside that would be ideal, they simply need to cover up the position with somebody before August.

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