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MLB Rumors: Phillies a surprise suitor for Marcus Stroman trade with Cubs?

Not long ago, it seemed as if all of the Marcus Stroman trade buzz had essentially died out with the belief that the Chicago Cubs, a club surging at the time, could end up buying at the MLB Trade Deadline. Things, however, have changed dramatically.

Stroman and the Cubs are unlikely to reach an extension — in fact, it’s almost certain — which means that Chicago could be best served to trade the NL Cy Young candidate this season to an eager bidder that can help the Cubs find more pieces for the future while the buying team can add a true ace to the rotation.

One team who could be interested? The Philadelphia Phillies.

Inside the Phillies noted that the club currently locked in a three-way tie for the third Wild Card spot in the National League had been connected to Stroman already. Furthermore, the report surmised that, though Philadelphia would be unlikely to give up top prospect Andrew Painter in a Stroman trade, they could offer another high-end minor-league arm like Griff McGary with all-world potential.

Make no mistake, Stroman would be perfect for the Phillies to make a second-half run this season as he’d pair beauitfully as a three-man top of the rotation with Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler. Adding a pitcher with a 2.76 ERA and 1.09 WHIP this season like Stroman would be massive for the cause.

The Cubs are sure to have no shortage of buyers at the trade deadline for Stroman, without question. That being said, the Phillies are no strangers to being aggressive on the open market, which we could indeed see again if they get their sights on Marcus Stroman.