MLB Insider Reveals Phillies' Top Trade Priority as Deadline Looms

After a strong five-game winning streak, the Philadelphia Phillies find themselves as buyers ahead of Tuesday's MLB Trade Deadline. Philadelphia owns the final NL Wild Card spot and will be looking for upgrades to help solidify a postseason spot down the stretch.

MLB insider Jon Heyman recently revealed the Phillies top trade priority as the deadline looms.

Phillies Trade Rumors

Phillies looking for some defense in CF. Ramon Laureano is the top of the market but not that likely to be moved. Sone other considerations: Michael A. Taylor, Jackie Bradley Jr. (Dombrowski Red Sox link), Jose Siri.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 1, 2022

Heyman reported the Phillies aim to add defensive help in center field. He indicated Oakland Athletics' Ramon Laureano is the top option on the market, but some other options include Michael A. Taylor (Kansas City Royals), Jackie Bradley Jr. (Boston Red Sox) and Jose Siri (Houston Astros).

Phillies News

Bryce Harper's injury forced Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber into everyday defensive roles in the corner outfield, while Matt Vierling have platooned in center field. Vierling played just eight games in center field during his rookie season in 2021, and Herrera rates as an average fielder.

Laureano's bat is perhaps the most overlooked value in any potential trades. While his .226/.310/.408 slash line doesn't jump off the page, he's hitting in a lineup with virtually zero protection. The fifth-year pro has recorded at least a .700 OPS in each of his previous campaigns, including a 2019 where he smashed 24 home runs.

It'll be interesting to see if the Phillies can land any of these defensive-first options before the deadline. For now, Philadelphia holds +5000 odds to win the 2022 World Series on FanDuel Sportsbook.

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Adam Taylor McKillop is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Adam Taylor also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username atmckillop. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.