Phillies Reportedly Looking for Starting Pitching

The 2022 MLB Trade Deadline will be on Tuesday afternoon at 6:00 p.m.   The Phillies have made one minor move so far, bringing in middle infielder Edmundo Sosa in exchange for lefty Jojo Romero.  But the big moves are yet to be made.  The Phillies appear to be prioritizing a starting pitcher.

The Phillies are of course without starter Zach Eflin.  Eflin's knee injury remains a concern and there is no clear timetable for his return.  That means the Phillies need another arm that they can count on.  Their lack of depth is particularly evident this week, as a short Bereavement List visit by Kyle Gibson means a bullpen game Tuesday in Atlanta.

The Phillies also will need another starting pitcher heading into 2023, which could factor into their decisions.  Both Gibson and Eflin are set to be free agents after the 2022 season.  The could retain one or the other, but the Phillies could help this year and also plan for later with a deal now.

Tyler Mahle of the Cincinnati Reds could be a potential target for the Phillies.   But Matt Gelb of the Athletic followed up Stark's report by saying that the need for a 'top pitching prospect" could keep the Phillies out of the Mahle sweepstakes.  Mahle has one arbitration year remaining in 2023 and could help the Phillies next year.

Merrill Kelly of the Arizona Diamondbacks also meets the threshold of team control beyond this year.  He might be a tick below Mahle in terms of quality of starter, but would be a reliable rotation piece.

German Marquez of the Colorado Rockies is another name that could fit that bill.  So far, his name has not come up in trade rumors.  But the Rockies, who recently re-signed closer Daniel Bard, might not be willing to deal.

Jose Quintana pitched against the Phillies in Pittsburgh this weekend.  He's had a nice resurgence this season.  Signed to just a one-year deal, he would be a strict rental.  He might not be the caliber of pitcher the Phillies are looking for.

Check out the latest edition of the Powder Blue Podcast where Frank Klose and Geoff Mosher break it all down: