Phillies Targeting New York Mets Slugger Ahead of Trade Deadline
Would an in division trade be possible?
According to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY, the Philadelphia Phillies are targeting a right-handed corner outfielder ahead of the trade deadline, and would love to acquire New York Mets outfielder Tommy Pham.
As Nightengale reported, Pham, David Robertson and Mark Canha will be available on the trading block. Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer could be made available as well.
As for Pham, he is playing on a one-year, $6 million deal, which makes him movable.
The Mets are seven games out of a playoff spot and are destined to be sellers by August 1.
But would they trade a player to their division rivals? That remains to be seen.
In the very least, the Mets would likely charge the Phillies a tax for trading within the division, meaning the asking price for Pham would be higher.
Pham would be an ideal fit in the Phillies' outfield and lineup.
The 34-year-old is having a strong season, in which he is slashing .272/.356/.475 with a .831 OPS, nine home runs and 35 RBIs.
However, Pham has been playing with a groin injury as of late, which has kept him out of the lineup for several games.
The good news is that Pham's groin issue is not considered to be serious, and he should be back in the lineup soon enough.
The Mets will likely trade Pham at the deadline, and the Phillies are one team that is interested, despite playing in the same division.
