MLB rumors: Phillies’ possible trade for Cubs outfielder gets ‘unknowns’ reality check

The Philadelphia Phillies (38-33) have overcome an abysmal first month of the season and now occupy the second National League Wild Card slot, but there are still some red flags planted in front of Citizens Bank Park. The most glaring one is a -23 run-differential, which is the fourth-worst mark in the Senior Circuit. Cy Young runners-up Cristopher Sanchez and Zack Wheeler lead the starting pitching rotation, but the lineup has been wildly unreliable. Help is needed.

For all the criticism he draws, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski will usually do what is necessary to upgrade his roster at the MLB trade deadline. When the two-time World Series champion hops on the phone this summer, his objective should be to acquire an impactful bat to pair with Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper and Brandon Marsh — the ballclub’s only players who have an OPS+ higher than 100 (league average). Perhaps the Chicago Cubs can accommodate Philly.

Outfielder and designated hitter Seiya Suzuki is set to enter free agency in the offseason, which could make him expendable to owner Tom S. Ricketts and president of baseball ops. Jed Hoyer. The streaky Cubs are only one game behind the San Diego Padres for the NL’s final playoff berth, so they may decide to become buyers rather than sellers ahead of the Aug. 3 deadline. There are other factors that could hinder Philly’s’ potential pursuit of Suzuki, however.

“Do the Phillies have the depth for such a trade?” Charlotte Varnes of the Athletic pondered. “Would they want to utilize whatever depth they have for a rental? Would Suzuki, who has a no-trade clause, want to come to Philadelphia? There are a lot of unknowns.”

The Japanese right-handed batter is flourishing in June following a miserable May and is now slashing .255/.339/.433/.772 with 10 home runs and 28 RBIs through 236 plate appearances this season. He can provide vital reinforcements to Don Mattingly’s lineup and give Philadelphia the balance it requires.

There is much to sort out in the next month and a half. Who knows, the Cubs could leap past the Phillies in the NL standings by the time the trade deadline rolls around. These talented yet flawed squads will try to establish their respective identities before crucial decisions have to be made.

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