The Philadelphia Phillies are currently ahead in the National League Wild Card race and are also just two games back of the New York Mets in the National League East.
However, there are holes for them to fill at the trade deadline, as is often the case with many contending teams when July rolls around. July is less than two weeks away, and trade season is almost upon us.
The Phillies could use a little help at the center field position. While Brandon Marsh has been solid at the plate, his play in center field has been sub-par.
When listing dream landing spots for certain star players, Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer listed the Phillies as one for Minnesota Twins star outfielder Byron Buxton.
“Not since the early days of Odúbel Herrera’s career have the Phillies had a reliable regular in center field, much less a star. They have managed to succeed despite this, but that should raise questions about how far they could go if they actually went out and got a star to roam the middle of their outfield,” Rymer wrote.
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Buxton is having a strong season with the Twins, who currently are right in the thick of the American League Wild Card race.
He’s hitting .273/.339/.512 with 12 home runs, 42 RBI, 12 stolen bases, a 2.2 WAR and an .851 OPS this year.
He is not a free agent until 2029, and with the Twins in playoff contention, a trade may be unlikely. He also has a full no-trade clause.
Still, the Phillies could use some help, and he would instantly be given the chance to play for a World Series contender, something he doesn’t necessarily have with the Twins.
He would also boost their offense and give them a solid right-handed bat with power and some speed as well.
It will be interesting to see if the Phillies decide to pursue the veteran outfielder.
More MLB: Phillies predicted to demote slumping 30-year-old to Triple-A by end of June
