Phillies: 3 moves Dave Dombrowski must make immediately

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 16: Pitcher Zack Wheeler #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the New York Mets during an MLB baseball game at Citizens Bank Park on August 16, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Mets defeated the Phillies 6-2. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

2. Don’t trade Zack Wheeler, please.

For the love of God, don’t trade Wheeler. The Phillies ownership has outright denied a previous report that Wheeler was up for grabs, and it’s a good thing they were scared straight by outraged fans. Yet, after signing Realmuto, the second thing Dombrowski must sure up is making it increasingly clear that Wheeler is not up for grabs.

In fact, the Phillies should be adding to their pitching staff, not removing key contributors. Yes, Wheeler’s contract could be an albatross a few seasons from now, but he’s also really good. In the shortened 2020 season, he had an ERA of 2.92! Something was working, and the thought of selling high on a pitcher potentially entering the final stretch of his prime is appetizing if the Phillies were in the market for young assets. But they’re not.

Philadelphia committed a boatload of money to Bryce Harper. He is stuck there, and they are stuck with him. So why not win while he’s still an above-average MLB player?

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