The Philadelphia Phillies were recently eliminated from the Major League Baseball Playoffs by the Atlanta Braves. Heading into the 2027 season, Philadelphia is getting some advice from MLB insider Ken Rosenthal. Rosenthal thinks the team should trade either Bryce Harper or Kyle Schwarber.
“The Phillies at least need to kick around the idea of trading one of them. Actually following through, though, would be another matter, given (John) Middleton’s affection for both players,” Rosenthal wrote for The Athletic.
Rosenthal predicts problems if the Phillies try to trade one of these players.
“Besides, trading Harper or Schwarber would be tricky,” Rosenthal wrote. “Harper declined opt outs in the 13-year, $330 million free-agent deal he signed with the Phillies prior to the 2019 season. He no longer wished to be the subject of trade rumors. He wanted to settle in one city for the rest of his career.”
There are other issues that involve Schwarber.
Article Continues Below“Interested teams could view Harper as either a first baseman or right fielder. Schwarber, who is strictly a designated hitter, does not offer that kind of defensive utility. And the Phillies would be reluctant to move a player who is the team’s heart and soul and leads the majors with 232 home runs the past five seasons,” Rosenthal wrote.
Philadelphia has been one of the strongest teams in the National League over the last few years. The Phillies though have struggled in the MLB Playoffs. Their last World Series title was in 2008, although the club made the World Series in 2009 and 2022.
The Phillies started the 2026 season with a tough stretch. Following a bad losing streak near the start of the year, the franchise fired former manager Rob Thomson. Thomson was replaced by Don Mattingly, who turned around the club.
Mattingly is expected not to return as manager in 2027. Philadelphia has long been linked with Alex Cora, who was fired as manager of the Boston Red Sox during the 2026 season.