Phillies Trade Deadline Reactions
Dave Dombrowski of the Phillies (MLB.com)
The Phillies came into the deadline in “need of some help” as Bryce Harper put it. Dombrowski has never been shy at trade deadlines, and given the current state of the Phillies and this roster's construction, there was no other choice but to buy, and buy he did. Now whether they acquired enough is yet to be seen.
Phillies add Luis Arraez from San Francisco in a clear upgrade with an awkward fit.
The upgrade: Luis Arraez's worst career year was 2025 when he hit for a .292 AVG and a .327 OBP. Even if he regresses back to those numbers, they would rank 1st and 3rd respectively among the Phillies current offense, which ranks second to last in OBP in the majors this year. Arraez will give the Phillies a different look, someone that will consistently make contact and put defenses to work. Unlike Schwarber or Harper, his OBP does not come from walks, but singles and doubles. Despite the lack of power, his 23 doubles this season would rank first among Phillies hitters.
The fit: Arraez wanted to play second base, which is why he signed with the Giants in the off-season. His work there with Ron Washington has seen his defensive metrics improve tremendously. How Mattingly re-aligns the infield will be interesting. Does he move Stott to third? If so, does Bohm go to the bench? Could Harper move back to the outfield? What does this all mean for Edmundo Sosa?
Besides the defensive fit, it could also be an awkward offensive fit. With Arraez now in the mix, the Phillies could have up to six lefties in the lineup on any given night with Schwarber, Harper, Marsh, Stott and Crawford already in. The Phillies have specifically struggled against left handed pitching this season, which is why many, myself included, wanted to see a right handed bat as a trade deadline addition. Arraez's split numbers are not dramatic (career .279 AVG against left handers), but he does hit better against right handers as to be expected.
All in all, it’s a much needed improvement for the offense, giving the lineup a different look to help balance their current deficiencies. Giving up your 4th best prospect for a rental does not sound great, but given the roster context I do not mind it. We’ll see how the defensive shuffling unfolds, but I don’t think that will have enough negative impact to outweigh Arraez’s offensive impact.
Luis Arraez of the Phillies (ESPN)
Grade: B+
Phillies acquire Brooks Raley from the Mets.
The Phillies bullpen has been a problem most of the year, but has been even more accentuated since Brad Keller’s injury. The Phillies entered the season with Alvarado, Banks, Mayza and Backhus as their bullpen lefties. This group has not been good, Banks is on the 60-day IL with an expected return in September, and Alvarado and Backhus have been hit hard and often. Both Alvarado and Backhus have ERA’s over 5 and WHIP’s over 1.4 so far. Mayza has been the best, pitching 50.2 innings with a 3.73 ERA and a 3.14 FIP and a 1.12 WHIP. Even Mayza’s numbers pale in comparison to those put up by Brooks Raley this season. The lefty acquired from division rival Mets has pitched 41.1 innings with a 1.96 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP this season. Raley should help bridge the gap between starters and Duran, who continues to be one of the game’s best closers.
This trade, while unspectacular, definitely improves the team while addressing a key area of concern. Getting the ball to Duran has been an issue and while they may need some extra help beyond Raley, the team is clearly better with him on the roster. Caleb Killian who came included in the Arraez deal should also give the bullpen some more depth.
Grade: B+
Deals left on the table?
Dombrowski did well – he added some pieces that will help the Phillies group in much needed ways. While I think a right handed bat would have been ideal, there were not many available in the trade market, not quality ones at least. Adell is a slugging right handed outfielder, but he is more of the same profile the Phillies already have, a slugger who strikes out a lot. I liked the idea of Taylor Ward, but Arraez may even be a little better unless Ward finds his power back. Unfortunately, Spencer Steer has battled injuries all throughout the season.
The other issue facing the Phillies is starting pitching depth. As Matt Gelb wrote on July 20th for The Athletic (subscription required), the Phillies were 5-20 in games started by their 5th option. Their starters had given them a 7.33 ERA in those games. That's just unsustainable. While the big three have been terrific and are probably all the Phillies need for the playoffs, they still need to get there whilst saving their bullpen.
The Phillies did not need to get an ace, just someone that could eat innings while giving them a chance to win every now and then. Somehow they dropped the ball. The Cubs got Gausman for two middle-to-low end prospects, a guy that was starting World Series games just last year. The Braves got Tyler Mahle for a Rule 5 draft pick with an ERA over 6. The Twins got Dean Kramer for just one prospect outside their organizations top 10. There were options available at an affordable price, but the Phillies failed to acquire one of them.
Overall grade for Dombrowski: B