The Philadelphia Phillies, currently holding the best record in MLB, are still aiming to enhance their roster before the 2024 MLB trade deadline. Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports that the Phillies are looking to bolster their rotation, with Detroit Tigers’ Jack Flaherty and Chicago White Sox’s Garrett Crochet being potential targets.
It should also be noted that Philadelphia anticipates Taijuan Walker will return from injury in August. Despite this, the team appears keen on bolstering their pitching staff with additional help from the trade market.
Flaherty, a 28-year-old right-handed pitcher, made a name for himself with the St. Louis Cardinals before injury issues curtailed his potential. Traded to the Baltimore Orioles before the 2023 trade deadline, Flaherty entered free agency seeking a short-term deal to prove his value and secure a larger contract in 2024.
He has successfully reestablished himself with the Detroit Tigers, boasting a 3.13 ERA and resembling his late-2010s form with the Cardinals. As a pending free agent, Flaherty is likely to be traded by the 50-51 Tigers.
In contrast, Garrett Crochet, only 25, is under contract through 2026. Acquiring Crochet would require a significant prospect return, as most teams would hesitate to trade a young pitcher with multiple years of control remaining. However, given the White Sox’s dismal season, trading Crochet could be a sensible move to accelerate their rebuild.
The Phillies have a chance to significantly bolster their starting rotation as the trade deadline approaches.
