MLB rumors: 5 teams who should trade for Noah Syndergaard

4. Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies have played musical chairs in the back end of their starting rotation, most recently demoting Jerad Eickhoff to the bullpen this week after a rough outing. Zach Elfin has been good (2.88 ERA) and Nick Pivetta has been excellent since being recalled and put back in the rotation, but Aaron Nola (4.58 ERA) and Jake Arrieta (4.31) have underachieved so far this year.

Philadelphia is tied atop the NL East with the Atlanta Braves (entering Wednesday). They’ve also watched the Braves go out and sign Dallas Keuchel in an effort to gain an edge in what now looks set to be a two-team race in the division.

If the Mets do listen to offers for Syndergaard, which is unclear as of now, a division rival might be a non-starter for them. But the Phillies are somewhat in win-now mode, giving up prospects for catcher J.T. Realmuto late as the final move in a fairly active offseason. So falling short of the division title or fading from the playoff race because the starting rotation is not up to par is not an option.

The Phillies lingered into the season with rumored interest in Madison Bumgarner, which they could very well have maintained or could circle back to shortly. But Syndergaard should also be on the radar, however peripherally at this point, as the Mets make a decision on the course they’ll take.