The Philadelphia Phillies are in severe need of bats before the MLB trade deadline. If the way they’ve played since the All-Star break didn’t tell you that, then Bryce Harpermade it very clear for everyone — including Dave Dombrowski
The Phillies will almost certainly add someone of significance before 6 p.m. ET next Monday. But it might not be who Philadelphia fans — or Harper — hope
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Neither Byron Buxton nor Mike Trout appear headed to Philly. Buxton just hit the 10-day injured list with a hip injury. Trout appears to be staying put in Los Angeles
Both players also have no-trade clauses anyway, which would obviously complicate a blockbuster deal for either outfielder
So, where have the Phillies turned? To the Toronto Blue Jays for Daulton Varsho
Philadelphia is reportedly interested in Varsho, who is slashing just .247/.308/.383 with seven home runs and 26 RBI over 354 plate appearances this season
Varsho had a terrific year in 2025, finishing with an .833 OPS and playing a significant role in the Blue Jays’ run to the World Series. But it appeared to be nothing more than a fluke
While Varsho does have a Gold Glove under his belt, he is a lifetime .229/.297/.424 hitter. That’s good for a .721 OPS. Terrible? Absolutely not. Game-changing? Not really
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Yes, just about anything would be an upgrade for the Phillies right now, and Varsho does bring some valuable playoff experience to the table. But the Phils have to get there first
Does Varsho actually make them a postseason ballclub? Will he end up being the difference in the Wild Card standings? Probably not
The harsh reality of the situation, however, is that this is where Philadelphia may have to end up turning between now and Aug. 3
As we’ve been over previously, the Phillies do not have an expansive pool of prospects from which to trade. They aren’t the Milwaukee Brewers. They aren’t the Los Angeles Dodgers. They aren’t the New York Yankees, either
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Philadelphia’s young talent is very limited, and most of its top prospects have seen their respective stocks drop like a rock in 2026
So should we ever have really expected the Phillies to swing multiple blockbuster deals in the middle of the summer?
I don’t think Varsho is a backup option, either. It seems as if he is one of the most realistic candidates for a Philadelphia squad that does not have a whole lot to offer. Is he better than Gabriel Rincones Jr.? Sure. Will he be someone to ignite a major turnaround? That seems pretty doubtful
