MLB Insider Proposes Philadelphia Phillies Trade Package for Cubs Star

The Philadelphia Phillies could use this trade package to acquire Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs before deadline.

Brad Wakai | Jul 27, 2023

MLB Insider Proposes Philadelphia Phillies Trade Package for Cubs Star /

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Philadelphia Phillies

Entering Thursday, the Philadelphia Phillies find themselves holding onto one of the last National League Wild Card spots after winning their series against the Baltimore Orioles.

Before their series against the AL East leaders, the Phillies were a half-game out of the playoffs.

Winners of the last two, they're now .500 in their last 10 games are have put themselves firmly into the playoff position. Now, the front office is thinking about what they need to buy before the MLB trade deadline to ensure Philadelphia makes the playoffs.

It's well documented that outfield is the most important spot on the roster that needs an upgrade. Out of the five best players the Phillies should target, three of them are outfielders.

Former MLB front office executive Jim Bowden wrote about six trades he'd like to see happen for The Athletic.

Philadelphia acquiring Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs was one of the ones he'd like to see.

His trade package consisted of the Phillies sending prospect outfielders Gabriel Rincones Jr. and Carlos De La Cruz. Both of these players are in the top 10 of the Philadelphia farm system, but don't crack the top 100 of MLB.com's best prospects.

It would be an aggressive win now move by the front office.

The acquisition of Bellinger would almost certainly only be for a rental period as the slugger is expected to hit free agency after the season and command a high price.

But giving up the two prospects Bowden suggests would not cripple the farm system and upgrades the biggest weakness on the roster.

If the Phillies want to build off the momentum from their World Series run last season, this trade package to get Bellinger makes complete sense.

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Published Jul 27, 2023

BRAD WAKAI

Brad Wakai graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Journalism. While an undergrad, he did work at the student radio station covering different Penn State athletic programs like football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and other sports. Brad currently is the Lead Contributor for Nittany Lions Wire of Gannett Media where he continues to cover Penn State athletics. He is also a contributor at FanSided, writing about the Philadelphia 76ers for The Sixers Sense. Brad is the host of the sports podcast I Said What I Said, discussing topics across the NFL, College Football, the NBA and other sports. You can follow him on Twitter: @bwakai