Cody Bellinger #24 of the Chicago Cubs
The Philadelphia Phillies entered the 2024 season with the clear goal of winning it all. After an exciting postseason run in 2023 that ended just one series shy of the World Series, the pressure was on. The Phillies responded by claiming the National League East title for the first time since 2011. But as high as the expectations were, the 2024 playoffs quickly became a reminder that even championship-caliber teams have their limits. The New York Mets dispatched the Phillies in the NLDS, cutting their postseason hopes short.
With 2025 already on the horizon, the Phillies know that standing still isn’t an option. The club’s leadership, most notably President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski, has signaled that significant changes are coming to the roster this winter. Whether through free agency or a more aggressive route — the trade market — Philly is looking to make moves that will not only get them back to the playoffs but push them over the top to their first World Series title since 2008.
Big Changes Ahead: A Trade Shake-Up?
While free agency is always on the table, it seems the Phillies are more likely to make their move in the trade market. With a roster that’s largely built for contention but still has a few gaps to address, it’s not hard to see why Dombrowski would explore potential trades to bolster the lineup. One player who has sparked plenty of trade rumors recently is All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm.
Bohm has been a reliable presence in the Phillies’ infield, but there’s a sense that the team could be ready to make a bold move with him in order to land a high-impact player elsewhere. That brings us to the name on everyone’s radar: Cody Bellinger. The former NL MVP, who enjoyed a resurgence in 2024 with the Chicago Cubs, could be just the type of player to give the Phillies an added boost in both offense and defense.
Could a Three-Team Trade Land Bellinger in Philly?
Enter ESPN’s Dave Schoenfield, who recently proposed an intriguing three-team trade that could dramatically reshape the Phillies’ roster. The deal would send Bellinger to Philadelphia, while Alec Bohm and second baseman Nico Hoerner head to Seattle, and the Chicago Cubs would acquire right-handed pitcher Luis Castillo and catcher Harry Ford.
Here’s how it breaks down:
– Phillies receive: Outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger
– Seattle Mariners receive: Third baseman Alec Bohm, second baseman Nico Hoerner
– Chicago Cubs receive: Right-handed pitcher Luis Castillo, catcher Harry Ford
It’s a trade that would make waves, both for its impact on the Phillies and for the domino effect it would have on the Mariners and Cubs. For Philadelphia, the addition of Bellinger would address several key areas. Bellinger, who enjoyed a stellar 2024 campaign, would slot into center field, an area of need for the Phillies. Bryce Harper has found a permanent home at first base, but Bellinger’s defensive prowess and offensive versatility would allow him to patrol center field at Citizens Bank Park without compromising the team’s defensive alignment.
From an offensive standpoint, Bellinger would be an immediate upgrade, providing a consistent left-handed bat who has plenty of postseason experience, having helped lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a World Series title in 2020. In the postseason, Bellinger has shown he can step up in big moments — something the Phillies sorely need as they push for a deeper playoff run in 2025.
On the Mariners’ side, moving Bohm and Hoerner would provide a solid return for the organization. Both players have potential to be key pieces in Seattle’s rebuild, with Bohm providing a steady bat in the middle of their lineup and Hoerner offering defensive reliability in the infield. Meanwhile, the Cubs would get a solid pitcher in Castillo, who could bolster their rotation, along with catching prospect Harry Ford, a player with significant upside.
Will It Happen?
As Schoenfield himself pointed out, this trade is unlikely to go down exactly as proposed. But the creativity behind the move shows just how active teams can be in the offseason, particularly when they have a clear sense of what they need and a willingness to make bold moves. With the Phillies aiming for a World Series, it’s not hard to envision Dombrowski making some big swings in an attempt to further strengthen the roster.
Though Bellinger’s potential arrival in Philadelphia might seem like a pipe dream, it’s clear that the Phillies’ front office will leave no stone unturned this winter. As they look to reclaim their place atop the NL East and beyond, expect plenty of chatter around potential trades and free-agent signings in the coming months.
The Road to the World Series
For the Phillies, the 2024 season was a reminder that talent alone isn’t always enough to secure a championship. In a crowded National League filled with fierce competition, the difference between winning it all and coming up short can often come down to one or two key moves.
As the Phillies head into the 2025 season, they’ll be looking to add that missing piece — whether that’s through a blockbuster trade like the one Schoenfield proposed or another creative roster shake-up. What is clear is that Philadelphia isn’t resting on its laurels. The City of Brotherly Love is ready to compete for its first World Series title in over a decade, and significant changes are just around the corner. Stay tuned.
