The Philadelphia Phillies have shown noticeable improvement over the last week or so, which is an encouraging development. That said, it’s still reasonable to point out that if the Phillies suffer another collapse like the one just a month ago, they might consider moving on from several key players.
I would be genuinely surprised if they parted ways with someone like Bryce Harper or Zack Wheeler, though some analysts are beginning to suggest Wheeler could be traded for the right return.
Padres receive: Zack Wheeler
Phillies receive: Kruz Schoolcraft, Ethan Salas, Bradgley Rodriguez
The rationale, according to Ryan Shea of SI, is that if the Phillies fall to 17–21 and sit in third place in the NL East by 2026, following the firing of Rob Thomson, it could signal a shift away from the current core. Even though Wheeler remains effective with a 3.12 ERA and strong WHIP, at age 35 he holds more value as a trade asset than as a long-term piece for a non-contending team.
Salas would be the centerpiece of the deal, but the young Padres catching prospect has struggled in the minors over the past two years. Once regarded as the game’s top prospect with legitimate superstar potential, that no longer seems to be the case.
Personally, I would avoid this trade entirely even if the Phillies have a terrible record and are underperforming at the deadline.
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