3 Phillies trades to make up ground on the Braves after losing Dansby Swanson

3) Phillies trade candidate Gregory Soto gives them another late-inning option

One area the Phillies need to consider upgrading in a major way before the season begins is the bullpen. Detroit Tigers closer Gregory Soto could be the guy to go out and get. He has been an All-Star in two consecutive seasons. Coming off an interesting season of going 2-11 but having a 3.28 ERA, could landing with a contender help Soto reach a new level?

The Tigers already traded Joe Jimenez to the Braves. Soto would likely cost more. Still a bit wild but not yet 28-years-old, he’s someone the Phillies could add and hope becomes a very good late-inning option for them. He can give them some Seranthony Dominguez insurance in case their own young closer isn’t effective in the role.

In the Braves trade for Jimenez, the Tigers did acquire their now-seventh ranked prospect, Justyn-Henry Malloy. They received another player as well. This could mean the headliner in a deal for Soto is someone as good as Johan Rojas or Erik Miller. Many fans would probably prefer to see two lesser prospects get dealt to Detroit. Soto does have some questions but the upside is impressive.

The Phillies did manage to get past the Braves in the postseason when they faced off. In the first 162 games, they weren’t all that close.

Right now, with the loss of Swanson fresh in their minds, now would be a good time to pounce. Throw your best offer at the Red Sox for Devers. If they don’t budge, go out and acquire some finishing touches on an already playoff-ready roster.