Phillies Urged to Target Slugger Amid Underwhelming Options: ‘They Might Give Him Away’

Obviously, identifying a need is an important first step for contending teams that want to take full advantage of the trade market. 

But what does a team do if there are nothing but underwhelming options to address the need? And that, according to a trio of MLB insiders, is the troubling scenario ahead for the Philadelphia Phillies. 

During a recent episode of “The Phillies Show” podcast, co-hosts Jim Salisbury, Ruben Amaro Jr. and Todd Zolecki discussed the team’s likely approach heading toward the July 31 trade deadline. Citing the issues from Philadelphia’s 1-0 loss to Houston and lefty starter Framber Valdez on Monday – which were only further highlighted Tuesday in a 2-0 loss to the Astros behind lefty starter Colton Gordon – the analysts lamented the tendency of the Phillies to get “manhandled by left-handed pitching.” 

Need: identified. 

“The outfield in general is an issue, especially from the right side of the plate,” Amaro said. 

Tyler O’Neill Could Be Worthwhile Target Amidst Other Underwhelming Options

As for potential targets … well, let’s just say that nobody is jumping off the page. 

“Is there the all-in, big, right-handed bat you’re looking, ‘Oh my god, he’s going to protect Bryce Harper, he’s going to split up Schwarber and Harper, this is unbelievable?’” Zolecki asked. “I don’t think that guy is out there.” 

Running through a list of expected trade candidates did little to raise the enthusiasm. 

Luis Robert Jr. from the White Sox? 

“No thanks.” 

Adolis Garcia from the Rangers? 

“He had a great year two years ago, but look at his numbers the last two years. Not that great.” 

Jarren Duran from the Red Sox? 

“He was fantastic last season. He has not been that good this season.” 

Taylor Ward from the Angels? 

“Go look at his splits against left-handed pitching. Not that good.” 

Cedric Mullins from the Orioles? 

“But you know, he’s hitting .220.” 

Rather depressing assessment for a team that is in win-now mode. 

But perhaps there is another right-handed hitting outfielder the Phillies could target that isn’t getting much attention as a trade candidate. One who, because he recently signed a three-year contract, might be available for little in return. 

“An interesting guy that they might trade for is Tyler O’Neill,” Amaro suggested. 

” And I’m not a big Tyler O’Neill guy, because … he’s always hurt. But man, he can make an impact. For a short period of time? He can make an impact on your team from the right side with some power.” 

Tyler O’Neill’s Situation in Baltimore Could Make Him Available

Signed last winter by Baltimore to a three-year, $49.5 million contract, O’Neill has been just one of many disappointments for the struggling Orioles. He has only played 24 games so far this season, due to an earlier neck issue, as well as a left shoulder impingement that currently has O’Neill on the injured list. 

However, O’Neill is reportedly feeling no pain in the shoulder and is expected to begin a rehab assignment at Double-A Chesapeake. And as he showed last season with Boston, when he hit 31 home runs with 61 RBIs – not to mention the 2021 breakout with the St. Louis Cardinals, when O’Neill emerged as an MVP candidate – the 30-year-old slugger could potentially be a difference-maker in the Phillies lineup. 

And perhaps just as importantly, O’Neill’s contract situation means Baltimore would likely be a motivated seller.  

“I will tell you this, they will move him,” Amaro said. “I’m sure that they are willing to move him.”

“Why wouldn’t they, he’s owed all that money,” Salisbury agreed. 

“They might give him away,” Amaro offered, only somewhat sarcastically. 

As the insiders stated, it’s an interesting thought. 

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