Matching the Philadelphia Phillies With Their Most Likely MLB Trade Deadline Targets

The Philadelphia Phillies are currently sitting in third place in the NL East, behind the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals. They are one of a handful of teams looking to make moves at the MLB Trade Deadline, hoping to acquire the talent needed to get them over the hump and allow them to compete in October.

At the deadline, Philadelphia's primary focus will likely be starting pitching, as Aaron Nola is currently the Phillies' only starter with an ERA below the 4.00 mark. With that in mind, here are five starters the Phillies could acquire ahead of the July 31 MLB Trade Deadline.

5. Matthew Boyd, SP, Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers are clear candidates to be sellers at the deadline, sporting a 29-65 record. Matthew Boyd has continued to show improvement throughout his career, and the 28-year-old has a 4.13 ERA in 20 starts (120 innings pitched) this season. He's one of Detroit's most valuable assets, with 160 strikeouts thus far, and a contract worth just $2.6 million this season.

4. Marcus Stroman, SP, Toronto Blue Jays

The Phillies have reportedly shown interest in Marcus Stroman, as have a handful of other teams. The 28-year-old just made his first All-Star team and has been solid this season, tallying a 3.06 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. With another year of arbitration left on his contract, Stroman can be more than a short-term rental for Philadelphia.

3. Mike Minor, SP, Texas Rangers

Mike Minor is another first-time MLB All-Star who could be a potential trade target at the deadline. With an 8-5 record, a 2.86 ERA and 131 strikeouts in 129 innings pitched, Minor has been one of the best starters in MLB this season. It has been reported that the Texas Rangers want quite the haul in return if they're going to move Minor, but his performance thus far indicates he could be worth it for Philadelphia.

2. Zack Greinke, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks

Zack Greinke is having a terrific season, with a 2.93 ERA and 123 strikeouts in 135 innings pitched for the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, Greinke is only in year four of his six-year, $206 million contract, which could be a potential road block for any trade. Still, Greinke could provide an immediate boost for Philadelphia, and if the Phillies can stomach the contract, he could get this team over the hump.

1. Madison Bumgarner, SP, San Francisco Giants

Madison Bumgarner will likely be a hot commodity over the next couple of weeks, and the Phillies have been frequently linked to the San Francisco Giants' starter. The former World Series MVP hasn't been quite as sharp this season, with a 3.65 ERA and 127 strikeouts over 125 2/3 innings. Still, Bumgarner is a reliable pitcher and the Phillies desperately need to add a left-handed starter.

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