Would Tigers’ trade bait actually be a worthwhile Phillies rotation upgrade?
In recent weeks, the Phillies have seen issues beyond just their lack of offense. The starters, including the multiple All-Stars, have gone through a rough patch through multiple rotations. Other teams in the league are coming to the realization that it may be time to sell and re-group. The Detroit Tigers have come up in recent news that they will be sellers at the trade deadline come July 30.
Jack Flaherty is one of the names that has come up for Detroit that could be a trade piece in a deal. Flaherty, 28, is having a resurgence for the Tigers after signing a one-year deal this past offseason. On the year, he’s 7-5 with a 2.95 ERA and has 133 strikeouts in 106 2/3 innings. He will be a free agent after the year and is certainly making the most of his “contract year.”
Would Tigers’ trade bait Jack Flaherty actually be a worthwhile Phillies rotation upgrade?
According to MLB Network insider Jon Morosi, the Phillies have discussed Flaherty as an option to upgrade the rotation. It’s not clear if Morosi is referring to internal discussions or if the Phillies have been in contact with the Tigers about the trade chip.
Though Flaherty is capitalizing on his current one-year deal, he would be more of a mid-tier rotation upgrade. It would be a tough sell to part ways with prospects along the lines of Andrew Painter or Aidan Miller for a short-term rental. Perhaps the package could include a possible improving Mick Abel to the mix with other lower-level prospects.
Either way, the rotation has been far from perfect and is still reeling at the five-spot in the rotation with an ever-struggling Taijuan Walker and Spencer Turnbull on extended IL stints. A rotation upgrade like Flaherty could relieve the pressure off of Zack Wheeler and company at the top.
Other names on the market would certainly gain the attention of Phillies fans with big moves at the deadline. Names like Luis Robert Jr. and Tarik Skubal would feel like absolute needle movers in a deal for the stretch run. The question is, would a Flaherty trade be enough to get this team to the promised land?
