Ken Rosenthal believes the Phillies will target role players and bullpen depth at the deadline

The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to be very active ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline. Their strategy however, is currently still somewhat of a mystery.

While we have seen multiple reports that Dave Dombrowski will be targeting one of the top outfielders rumored to be available at the deadline, other reports indicate the Phillies could simply look to add key role players and bolster their bullpen.

Ken Rosenthal – Phillies could target role players and bullpen depth

In a recent report from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, he stated that while an injury to a key player could change their plan, the Phillies are currently “looking for role players and bullpen depth, because they already have MVP-caliber talents and top-of-the-rotation starters who can swing playoff series.”

Again, it was interesting reading that from Rosenthal given the fact that the Phillies have been rumored to be in the market for one of the top outfielders expected to be moved ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline on July 30th.

Reports confirm that the Phillies are targeting three options in centerfield ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline >>

Do I like role players? No. I do not. They are basically meaningless come playoff time and the Phillies are in fact, the best team in Major League Baseball.

I’m having trouble getting on board with that strategy. Add role players to help you win more regular season games and then give them emergency spot-stars in October? I don’t get it and in my humble opinion, Rosenthal seems to be misguided on what the Phillies actually need to further aid their chances in winning a World Series.

Shortly after his article, Rosenthal did an interview on Foul Territory, and discussed the possibility of the Phillies acquiring one of the top targets in the outfield, Louis Robert Jr ahead of the Trade Deadline and basically poured freezing cold water all over the idea, saying the Phillies want to preserve their young talent to help secure the future players and payroll.

Note: If you know me, I think is the dumbest way to build a team that has the best record in baseball and a “win or bust” World Series contending season.

And no, for the one millionth time, I’m not saying to trade Aidan Miller or Andrew Painter for Luis Robert Jr but if there’s another prospect-package on the table that can get the deal done, you absolutely pull the trigger.

Ken Rosenthal on a Phillies, Luis Robert Jr trade:

“I don’t see them trading for Luis Robert Jr., to answer everyone’s question. Because they don’t necessarily have a need for that type of guy right now. Everyone would love to have Robert, of course, but they also want to preserve what they have in young talent, the prospects coming, to balance their payroll in the years ahead.”

I know Ken Rosenthal is a respect member of the baseball media but again, I feel like he’s missing something here with his reporting on the Philadelphia Phillies.

While it may not be Luis Robert Jr given the asking price from the Chicago White Sox, to say a player like him “doesn’t fit the need” of the Phillies is a bit crazy, no?

I just have a hard time believing that the Phillies’ front office would go the role player route instead of bringing in an everyday outfielder with some power at the plate.

Alec Bohm has incredible numbers this season in the middle of the order for the Phillies but at the same time, he’s more of a “doubles machine” rather than a power hitter. On top of that, Nick Castellanos, while playing significantly better than he did to start the season, is the only outfielder with some pop in the lineup.

Other Outfield Options At The Deadline:

So where does that leave the Phillies? Well, according to Ken Rosenthal, the Phillies could shift focus over to role players and bullpen depth and other national media outlets are starting to think the same. Over the weekend, USA Today‘s Bob Nightengale reported that the Phillies are “keeping a close eye on” Oakland Athletics slugger Brent Rooker.

Rooker along with Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels, Lane Thomas of the Washington Nationals and Mark Canha of the Detroit Tigers are considered to be names the Phillies could consider trading for “to have a better platoon option with Marsh in left field.”

Brent Rooker: .279 BA | .899 OPS | 18 HR | 55 RBI

Taylor Ward: .233 BA | .728 OPS | 14 HR | 44 RBI

Mark Canha: .223 BA | .661 OPS | 6 HR | 34 RBI

Adding a better left fielder could also lead to somewhat of a platoon in center field between Marsh and Rojas – which would definitely be an upgrade but is that really moving the needle enough for the Phillies?

I have my doubts.

Out of the three players mentioned above, Brent Rooker would be the clear favorite. I’ll still hold out hope that the Phillies can land Luis Robert Jr without giving up Aidan Miller or Andrew Painter, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them shift focus over to Rooker-caliber players over the next 2-3 weeks – even more so with Cody Bellinger expected to be off the market with a fractured middle finger until at least, early-August.

Join The Chase