Phillies’ potential trade targets from Toronto
The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly interested in acquiring Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho. This interest comes as the two clubs are emerging as potential trade partners. Other players from the Blue Jays who could be fits for the Phillies include Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Jeff Hoffman, and George Springer.
The Phillies are looking to strengthen their roster, particularly in the outfield and pitching departments. Varsho is seen as a potential upgrade in centre field, a position currently held by Justin Crawford, who has struggled defensively and offensively this season. Crawford could potentially move to a fourth outfielder role or be sent to the minors.
Right field is also an area of concern for the Phillies, with Adolis García out for the season. The team has recently used a platoon of Gabriel Rincones Jr. and Bryan De La Cruz. Rincones Jr. has a .171/.207/.293 line, while De La Cruz has a .571/.563/.857 line in a small sample of 16 plate appearances, though his career line is .253/.298/.406.
Blue Jays’ season and player situations
The Blue Jays are experiencing a challenging season, currently holding a 50-59 record, placing them 5.5 games behind a playoff spot. Their playoff odds are estimated at 7.1% by FanGraphs and 9.1% by PECOTA Standings. The team has the fewest runs scored in all of baseball.
Despite their current struggles, Toronto is expected to aim for contention next season, with a core including Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Alejandro Kirk, Dylan Cease, Kazuma Okamoto, and Trey Yesavage. However, selling some short-term assets is a possibility for what is likely a lost season.
Varsho, Gausman, Bieber, and Springer are all impending free agents. Varsho, despite a relative downturn this year with seven home runs in 354 plate appearances and a .247/.308/.383 line, still holds value. Last year, he hit 20 home runs in 271 plate appearances. Defensively, he recorded ten Defensive Runs Saved and nine Outs Above Average in 550 1/3 centre field innings last year, though this year he has four OAA in 755 2/3 innings.
Gausman, a starting pitcher, has a 4.51 ERA this year. He has an eight-team no-trade clause, but the Phillies are not on that list. This could facilitate a trade, especially since there is familiarity between Gausman and Phillies pitching coach Caleb Cotham, who previously worked with him. Gausman’s $23MM salary this year would leave just under $7MM to be paid out after the deadline.
Bieber’s situation is more uncertain due to past injuries, including Tommy John surgery that affected his 2024 and 2025 seasons. His seven starts this year have been inconsistent, with a 5.74 ERA. He is making $16MM this year, with just under $5MM remaining to be paid near the deadline.
Reliever Jeff Hoffman, who previously pitched for the Phillies in 2023 and 2024, is another potential target. He signed a three-year, $33MM deal with the Blue Jays. Hoffman has been in good form since June, with a 1.33 ERA, a 32.1% strikeout rate, and an 8.3% walk rate. Unlike some other players, his deal extends through 2027, making him a non-rental asset. He is making an $11MM salary this year and next.
Other relievers the Blue Jays are reportedly open to offers on include Tyler Rogers, Mason Fluharty, and Spencer Miles. Rogers, who signed a three-year, $37MM deal, is having a good year with a 1.69 ERA. Fluharty is a soft-tossing lefty, and Miles is a Rule 5 pick who has logged 69 innings with a 3.26 ERA.
Phillies’ needs and trade implications
The Phillies need help in both their starting rotation and bullpen. While they have a strong front three of Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sánchez, and Jesús Luzardo, they are looking for another starter. Andrew Painter and Aaron Nola have both faced struggles this year.
The Blue Jays are not willing to move Louis Varland, but they are open to offers on other relievers. Trading some of these players could help the Blue Jays acquire prospects and save money, which could be redirected to other players in the offseason. The Phillies’ farm system is not highly regarded, ranked 29th by Baseball America, and their payroll is already substantial.
Dave Dombrowski, the Phillies’ president of baseball operations, is known for making significant moves, and the pressure is on this year. The team has lost all four series in the second half, going 3-9 against the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Miami Marlins.
Source: mlbtraderumors.com
