Report: Phillies Expected to Be Aggressive Buyers at MLB Trade Deadline

As the Major League Baseball trade deadline approaches, many around baseball believe the Phillies will be one of the most aggressive teams, trying to improve a flawed and aging roster.

According to USA Today Major League Baseball columnist Bob Nightengale, who took an informal survey of executives and scouts, they expect the Phillies to be one of the top five teams most aggressive at the Aug. 3 deadline.

Key Targets Linked to the Phillies

They are in desperate need of a late-inning reliever, and would love to bring back Jeff Hoffman of the Toronto Blue Jays. They need a right-handed bat, and Daulton Varsho could be this year’s version of Harrison Bader for them. They could use another starter, too, and will be in on everyone from Skubal to Robbie Ray to Clay Holmes.

A Potential Reunion with Jeff Hoffman

Nightengale mentions a reunion with right-handed relief pitcher Jeff Hoffman, who has been up-and-down this season with the Blue Jays. So far this season, the 33-year-old is 4-7 with a 4.39 ERA and 1.42 WHIP in 46 games.

Hoffman left the Phillies after two solid seasons, signing a three-year, $33 million contract with Toronto. During his tenure in Philadelphia, Hoffman posted a 2.28 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, with 11 saves in 118 2/3 innings out of the bullpen.

The Phillies could use a back-end bullpen arm after a season-ending injury to Brad Keller, who was signed in the offseason.

Adding Outfield Depth with Daulton Varsho

Varsho is a left-handed bat that can play all three outfield spots and is slashing .237/.301/.377 with seven home runs, 25 RBI, and 36 runs scored. He could be a potential upgrade over rookie Gabriel Rincones Jr., who is playing right field currently.

While the Phillies could use a right-handed bat, adding a lefty as an upgrade to Rincones is not out of the question.

What Should the Phillies Do at the Deadline?

So Phillies fans, do either of the names excite you at the deadline? Let us know in the comments section on social media.