As the Philadelphia Phillies look to gain traction, they’ll also aim to make roster improvements over the next couple of months. Despite a rough start to the season, the Phillies have played like one of baseball’s top teams over the last month, once again resembling serious contenders. Their starting pitching has been the driving force, and since Zack Wheeler’s return, the rotation has elevated its performance to another level.
While Wheeler has been strong since coming back, left-hander Cristopher Sánchez has been nothing short of spectacular. He recently set a franchise record for the longest scoreless streak by a southpaw and didn’t give up a single run throughout May.
Still, even with the rotation carrying much of the load, the offense raises some concerns. The lineup struggled in May, and bringing in outside help appears necessary. Although adding impactful hitters midseason isn’t easy, it’s something the Phillies must accomplish.
Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report recently highlighted several trade targets for Philadelphia, including San Francisco Giants slugger Heliot Ramos an intriguing potential addition.
Ramos Could Address a Key Need
It’s no secret the Phillies will be searching for right-handed offensive help. While their left-handed power bats have started the year strong, production from the right side has been underwhelming. Ramos still has three years of arbitration eligibility, meaning he could be a long-term piece rather than a short-term rental, though that would come at a higher price. Currently on the injured list with a quadriceps injury, Ramos has still performed well this season, posting a .267/.307/.424 slash line with four home runs and 20 RBIs.
Over the past two years, he’s hit at least 20 home runs for the Giants—no small feat in San Francisco. Given the team’s struggles this season, the Giants may be headed for a partial rebuild. Even though Ramos is only 26, president Buster Posey might consider moving him to restock the farm system. As a right-handed-hitting outfielder, Ramos could be an appealing fit for Philadelphia.
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