MLB rumors: Phillies want Angels trade, but Blue Jays present ‘intriguing’ alternative

With the Philadelphia Phillies looking to the trade deadline to bolster its roster for the rest of the 2026 season, there are some deals that the team is looking to make, specifically one for a certain Los Angeles Angels star. As rumors will surround the Phillies ahead of the trade deadline on Monday, this insider gives insight into the team’s thinking.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Philadelphia is targeting Angels outfielder Jo Adell, who has been a popular trade candidate around the league, as he’s currently recorded a .244 batting average, 16 home runs, and 62 RBIs in 108 games.

However, Nightengale reports that a package for Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jeff Hoffman and outfielder Daulton Varsho “intrigues them.”

This would track, as MLB insider Jon Heyman reported on Thursday that the Phillies are a team that has interest in Varsho, with the outfielder being a need the team is looking for.

The connection Phillies and Blue Jays have ahead of trade deadline

So far this season with the Blue Jays, Varsho has recorded a .247 batting average to go along with seven home runs and 26 RBIs in 96 games (324 at-bats). The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon would speak on how the Phillies had scouts for last weekend’s series where Toronto traveled to take on the Boston Red Sox, making connections between Varsho and Philadelphia.

“The Phillies were among at least three opposing teams with scouts in attendance for Toronto’s series at Fenway Park this past weekend. With needs in center field, at the back of the rotation and in the bullpen, the Phillies appear to be a fantastic potential trade partner for the Jays at the upcoming deadline,” Bannon wrote.

“Varsho’s father, Gary, and namesake, Darren Daulton, both played for the Phillies. Jeff Hoffman had the two best years of his career with Philadelphia,” Bannon continued.

At any rate, it remains to be seen if the Phillies get Adell or they trade with Toronto and get Varsho and Hoffman, as the team is 57-52, which puts them second in the NL East ahead of the start of the series against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday.

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