Three Sleeping Trade Targets the Philadelphia Phillies Should Consider

The Philadelphia Phillies are ready to return to baseball after an entertaining All-Star break. With a 62-34 record, they are clearly one of the best teams in baseball.

In fact, at the start of the second half of the season, the Phillies are the best team in baseball by 3.5 games.

Philadelphia has played a dominant brand of baseball all season long. They have done this by having elite talent in both their lineup and their pitching staff.

With the MLB trade deadline approaching at the end of the month, the Phillies have a chance to improve even more. They are widely expected to be one of the most aggressive teams in trade talks.

While the roster is extremely talented, there are two areas where Philadelphia could look to improve. They could use more outfield depth, specifically right-handed hitters in the outfield, and more talent in their bullpen.

With that said, let’s take a look at three dormant trade targets the Phillies could consider.

Trevor Richards, relief pitcher, Toronto Blue Jays

One option would be Trevor Richards, a 31-year-old right-handed reliever. He had a solid all-around campaign for the Blue Jays in 2024 and would provide quality depth in the bullpen.

In his 42 appearances this season, Richards has compiled a 2-1 record to go along with a 3.62 ERA, a 0.95 WHIP, a 2.5 K/BB ratio and 49.2 innings pitched. He’s a key sleeper who could have a huge impact for Philadelphia out of the bullpen late in the season and in the playoffs.

Eloy Jimenez, Outfielder, Chicago White Sox

To address their outfield need, Eloy Jimenez could be a perfect fit and is widely expected to be moved at the deadline if a decent trade package is offered.

Jimenez hasn’t played much for the White Sox this season, but he’s a quality prospect. A better sense of what he can offer can be seen in the 2023 season, in which he played in 120 games and slashed .272/.317/.441 with 18 home runs and 64 RBI. Those are exactly the kind of numbers the Phillies would like to add to the outfield.

Kyle Finnegan, relief pitcher, Washington Nationals

Finally, there is a player who has flown under the radar enough to be considered a sleeper, but who should receive far more attention on the trade market. That player is, of course, Finnegan.

Finnegan has a 2.45 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 3.2 K/BB, 25 saves, and just four blown saves in 41 appearances this season. He could be a closer for Philadelphia or simply an elite reliever. Not only would he be an item this season, but he has one year left on his contract, which should make him a top bullpen target for the Phillies.