Philadelphia Phillies Linked as Potential Trade Suitor for Cubs Ace
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The Philadelphia Phillies need rotational help.
That much is clear.
On Thursday against the New York Mets starter Taijuan Walker went just 4.0 innings pitched and allowed three earned runs. He attributed the performance to fatigue. How a starter can average just under five innings pitched per start can suffer fatigue is beyond us.
But here we are.
With that knowledge, and the fact the Phillies have no real fifth start, the team will likely need to add a starter at the MLB trade deadline.
That's where Marcus Stroman enters.
Inside the Cubs has linked Stroman to the Phillies as a likely landing spot.
Stroman owns a 2.59 ERA with a miniscule 0.986 WHIP through 73.0 innings pitched. He also boasts a 7.6 K/9 ration, which is impressive considering he is known for being a groundball pitcher.
Additionally, out his 12 starts this season, 10 have been quality starts, one of which was a one-hit, complete game shutout.
If Philadelphia added him, the team would bring on a reliable ace-level pitcher who could help them in their pursuit of another World Series appearance.
Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler haven't performed to their usual levels this season after a long year in 2022. Add in the fact that they don't have a reliable or healthy starter beyond them and the need for a pitcher like Stroman is apparent.
As a rental, Stroman won't come at an exorbitant prospect cost, but the Phillies will need to deal at least a top prospect to make it happen.
Add in the fact that Philadelphia will have exclusive negotiating rights with Stroman and the move could be a massive coup for Philadelphia.
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