The Philadelphia Phillies are right in the thick of the National league Wild Card race. After narrowly missing the playoffs in 2021, the Phillies want to make sure they play October baseball in 2022. They have an outside of chance of winning the division, but it appears to be a two-horse race between the Mets and Braves for now.
But the Phillies need to make some moves ahead of the 2022 MLB trade deadline. The team is expected to inquire about some of the top trade candidates. Luis Castillo or Frankie Montas could be an option for the starting rotation. One radio host even proposed a wild Juan Soto-Bryce Harper trade.
However, Philadelphia would benefit from adding depth around their core. Let's take a look at 3 sneaky trades the Phillies should make.
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3 sneaky Phillies MLB trade deadline targets
Daniel Bard, Rockies
Daniel Bard is arguably the most underrated pitcher in baseball this season. The Colorado Rockies closer has pitched to the tune of a 2.02 ERA with 20 saves so far in 2022, per baseball reference. He also owns a 1.01 WHIP.
Bard was a solid reliever with the Red Sox from 2009-2011. But he labored in 2012 and 2013 and found himself out of baseball by 2014. Most people believed that Daniel Bard's MLB career was over.
However, he worked hard to return and joined the Rockies in 2020. After a decent 2020 season, Bard struggled last year. But he has been exceptional this season.
Colorado should deal Bard away. They dropped the ball last trade deadline when they failed to trade Trevor Story and Jon Gray. As a result, both signed elsewhere in free agency. The Rockies should trade Daniel Bard ahead of 2022 MLB trade deadline. And the Phillies, who have endured their share of bullpen questions, would be smart to acquire the right-hander.
Mychael Givens and David Robertson, Cubs
David Robertson is expected to be a top bullpen trade piece at the deadline. But the Phillies should look to acquire more than just Robertson. Chicago has a number of intriguing bullpen pieces.
RHP Mychael Givens owns a 2.92 ERA over 37 innings. Meanwhile, LHP Brandon Hughes has a 3.65 ERA in 24.2 innings pitched. Either of them would suffice. Givens is the preferable option since he is the more experienced pitcher. The Cubs would likely be more willing to part with Givens as well.
Philadelphia could upgrade their bullpen in one fell swoop by acquiring both Givens and Robertson.
Noah Syndergaard, Angels
The Angels were expected to contend in 2022. But they currently sit in fourth place and have faltered over the past couple of months. They will likely end up selling barring a massive winning streak over the next couple of weeks.
Noah Syndergaard would be a prime trade candidate. Syndergaard has had a mediocre season, but he's pitched in the NL East before. The former Mets' star knows what it takes to thrive in the division. The Phillies could utilize him as a weapon against his former team.
And Philadelphia could use the rotation help. They have a couple of stars in Zach Wheeler and Aaron Nola. However, adding rotation depth would be vital to their playoff success.
Noah Syndergaard isn't the star pitcher he once was. But he is still capable of helping teams win games. The Phillies should look to add Syndergaard ahead of the 2022 MLB trade deadline.
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