Three trade targets to make Phillies instant World Series favorites

This season didn’t go according to plan for the Philadelphia Phillies. With the fourth-highest payroll in the MLB, their fourth straight season in the top five in highest payroll, the Phillies once again fell short of their World Series goal.

Philadelphia is expected to aggressively bolster its roster to take advantage of the championship window provided by All-Stars Bryce Harper, Zack Wheeler and Trea Turner.

The team has already been linked to free agent Juan Soto, who could sign a $500 million contract this winter. Since the Phillies have already signed seven contracts worth more than $20 million annually, big spending is not uncommon. However, it could improve its roster via the trade market.

Here are three key factors that would immediately make the Phillies the World Series favorites:

Garrett Crochet (LHP, Chicago White Sox)

The 25-year-old Crochet developed into the top pitcher for the struggling White Sox last season. In his first full season after Tommy John surgery, the southpaw posted a 3.58 ERA and 204 strikeouts. The calling card for the No. 11 pick in the 2020 MLB Draft was his fastball, which averaged an impressive 97.2 MPH, the fourth highest among lefties.

With two years remaining on his contract, Crochet is a premier pitcher who is paid like a middle reliever, making him an affordable option that fits any team’s competitive window. If the Phillies acquire him, Crochet would strengthen a rotation that already includes Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Cristopher Sanchez. With Crochet, Philadelphia would have arguably the best personnel in the majors.

Jesús Luzardo (LHP, Miami Marlins)

Luzardo is another up-and-coming southpaw the Phillies could target in a trade. The 27-year-old is an electric pitcher with a penchant for striking out batters on the field. Luzardo averaged just under 10 strikeouts per nine innings over six years in the league.

Unfortunately, The Peruvian pitcher had difficulty obtaining a clean bill of health. In early 2024, Luzardo was on the injured list for some time with elbow strain, but returned and looked healthy until he suffered a stress reaction in his lower back, which proved to be season-ending. He also missed significant time due to a forearm strain in 2022 and a broken hand in 2021 and Tommy John surgery as a prospect.

Maybe the Marlins will wait until he’s healthy again and increase his trade value before dealing him away. Given Luzardo’s lengthy injury history, the Phillies likely wouldn’t have to pay a premium to sign him.

Nolan Arenado (3B, St. Louis Cardinals)

After an MVP season in 2022, Arenado’s offensive numbers have dipped slightly. The eight-time All-Star has posted slightly above-average numbers (.269/.320/.426) over the past two seasons. Even at 33, Arenado is a potent threat at the plate who could do damage to a playoff team.

The 10-time Gold Glove winner is still a top-notch defender at the hot corner. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Phillies have already started shopping third baseman Alec Bohm. Philadelphia wants an upgrade in the corner infield and could kick the tires on an Arenado trade.

Arenado would add another proven slugger to a Phillies lineup that desperately needed one in the postseason. Additionally, Turner, Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto already know Arenado from their time together on Team USA during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Arenado’s contract is no small expense, but could be a worthwhile investment for a team now focused on winning.

Honorable Mention: Mike Trout (OF, Angels)

Acquiring Trout is an unlikely outcome for the Phillies this offseason. After all, the Angels outfielder is owed a staggering $35 million this season and has struggled heavily with injuries of late. Since 2020, Trout has played in just 290 games as various ailments hampered the three-time AL MVP.

Despite his injury concerns, Trout is an interesting trade candidate for Philadelphia and virtually every competitor. The 11-time All-Star is one of the best pure hitters in baseball history and could wreak havoc in the Phillies’ stacked lineup.

As the Angels fade into obscurity, the likelihood that they will finally trade away their franchise player increases. After their ninth straight losing season, the Angels may need to trade Trout and rebuild.

If the team decides to make a fire sale, Philadelphia should not hesitate to assess the price for Trout.