Things are heating up for the Phillies ahead of Friday’s trade deadline. Earlier, Jason Mackey reported that the Phillies and Blue Jays are two teams actively talking with the Pittsburgh Pirates about reliever Richard Rodriguez. Jim Salisbury elaborated on the report saying that catcher Rafael Marchan has been discussed in a deal.

Marchan is a highly ranked catching prospect within the Phillies organization, but with JT Realmuto and his new contract with the Phillies, it would make sense to move him. During this season with Lehigh Valley, Marchan has a batting average of .200 with 27 hits through 40 games.

For Rodriguez, the 31-year-old reliever has a 2.82 ERA, 38⅓ ip, 33 Ks, 5 BB, 2 HR, and 27 hits this season. Acquiring Richard would give the Phillies another arm in the bullpen for at least two seasons, making $1.7 million a year. 

The issue with Richard Rodriguez would be that he often doesn’t miss bats, and the Phillies would need to rely on Didi Gregorius and Rhys Hoskins to clean up on defense, which as we all know, is never ideal.

Philadelphia has been in the race for several players ahead of the deadline, including closer Craig Kimbrel.

Matt Moore is on the mound tonight as the Phillies play game two against the Nationals, with the trade deadline just a few days away.

Ring it.

Mandatory Credit: Rum Bunter