Ranking teams that should convince Madison Bumgarner to waive his no-trade clause

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 02: San Francisco Giants Starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner (40) looks on during a MLB game between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 2, 2019 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ST. LOUIS, MO – MAY 7: Bryce Harper #3 and Andrew McCutchen #22 both of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates after hitting a grand slam in the second inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on May 7, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Michael B. Thomas /Getty Images) /

3. Philadelphia Phillies

When the Phillies signed Bryce Harper this offseason it made it very obvious they’re committed to contending for a World Series title immediately. Swinging a big trade for Bumgarner would only be doubling down on that philosophy for the Philadelphia front office.

The Phillies also know their starting rotation could use some significant strengthening. Zach Efflin and Jake Arrieta have both enjoyed solid starts to the season, but things behind them are inconsistent at best. Adding Bumgarner to their corps of starters would help move everyone else down to their proper place in the rotation.

The question Philadelphia’s front office needs to ask themselves is whether or not they can convince Bumganer to stay with the team for the long haul. If the answer is yes, they should be willing to move prime prospects to get a deal done.

If, on the other hand, the answer is no, the Phillies need to sit out this bidding war. Philadelphia doesn’t seem like a place that would be high on Bumgarner’s shopping list. That keeps the Phillies just behind the top-two potential clubs on this list.

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