The Philadelphia Phillies may have missed out on Manny Machado, but they can still make a big upgrade at the trade deadline.
After months of speculation, it appears Manny Machado to the Los Angeles Dodgers is all but a lock to go through. The Philadelphia Phillies made an aggressive push late in the game to acquire the Baltimore Orioles All-Star shortstop, but in the end, the Dodgers had a bigger need to trade for a replacement for Corey Seager. Machado remains in the long-term plan for the Phillies, who figure to have a boatload of cash to spend this winter.
In the meantime, the Phillies can now focus on using their considerable prospect depth to make a different trade — or multiple trades — before the deadline. Things have turned around in the blink of an eye, and the Phillies will enter the second half as the NL East leaders and possible favorites to hold on all the way until the end of the year.
Philadelphia’s rebuild worked to perfection, and the offseason additions, combined with an influx of young talent, has the team on track to stay in the hunt all the way through September. That being said, there are weaknesses on the current roster that need to be addressed. The Phillies have gotten little-to-no production from right field, shortstop and need to add depth to a bullpen that has been inconsistent aside from its best arms. The Phillies have been active on multiple fronts, not just Machado, and these five players would all make solid fallback options now that they have missed out on their number-one target.
5. Adam Jones
A young team like the Phillies should be in the market for a veteran bat at the trade deadline. Usually that means a platoon bat for some power off the bench, but in Philadelphia’s case, a player who can step in and play nearly every night makes more sense. The Phillies were obviously in pursuit of a shortstop, but could also use an outfielder.
After showing signs of breaking out last season, Nick Williams and Aaron Altherr have taken big steps back this year. Altherr has been one of the worst full-time players in the National League, hitting .174/.294/.309 in 87 first-half games. Although the Phillies missed out on Machado, that does not mean they have to stop talking trade with the Orioles.
Baltimore’s All-Star center fielder Adam Jones is also likely to be traded by the deadline, and he is one of the most qualified veteran leaders on the block. After a slow start to the year, Jones is hitting .275/.299/.423 with 26 doubles and 10 home runs. The on-base percentage leaves something to be desired, but the 13-year veteran should get more locked in at the plate when given a chance to hit for a contender.
Jones has 10-and-5 rights thanks to his veteran status, so the Orioles must get his approval for any trade. He has been adamant about wanting to play center field, but would have to play a corner for the Phillies (and every other contender, to be honest). If Jones is willing to accept a trade only to a team that will allow him to play center field, then cross the Phillies off the list. Otherwise, he is a good fit for a lineup that needs more from its outfielders.