Since the All-Star Game in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Phillies have been one of the worst teams in baseball. It has been an ugly start to the second half, with a 3-9 record so far. As a team, they've recorded a .301 OBP. Their pitchers have a 4.53 ERA -- their starters hold a 4.88, good for No. 26 in MLB. All those rank in the bottom 10 in the majors.
With just four days until MLB's trade deadline, it feels like this Phillies team is a boat full of holes that need patching. One hole feels more noticeable than others. Like in 2024, the Phillies can't seem to field a full five-man rotation.
Alan Rangel has a 5.40 ERA in six appearances. Andrew Painter had a 7.06 ERA before being sent down to Triple-A before the break. The club has even turned to 32-year-old rookie Brian Keller, who, to his credit, threw three competitive innings, allowing one run in his lone opportunity.
That's just the highlights of their cavalcade of fifth starters. Aaron Nola, holding the fourth spot, has a 5.61 ERA. His last six starts have all ended in Phillies losses.
The Phillies have been so desperate to grasp at pitching straws that they recalled Painter to presumably start Friday's series opener in Baltimore. In five starts with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Painter has recorded just two quality starts. He has failed to complete five innings in two starts, as well.
Luckily for the Phillies, there seem to be many quality starters available at the trade deadline. Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha are both solid veterans with postseason experience and are controllable beyond this year. Clay Holmes is returning from injury but has been stellar for the Mets this year and has a player option, although those are rarely picked up.
Shane Bieber, Kevin Gausman, Dustin May, Casey Mize, Freddy Peralta and Robbie Ray all seem to be on the market as rental options. All would be worth pursuing for Philly.
Don't even think about Tarik Skubal. The Phillies don't have the minor league talent to land Skubal.
If the Phillies want to add a mid-rotation starter, there are plenty. It is a good market for a team that needs rotation help. There could actually be more talent available than contending teams looking to add a starter - a perfect situation for a team with a bottom-third farm system. Simple economics help the Phillies. When the supply exceeds demand, the price goes down.
The Phillies need it. The market makes sense. Now, the front office needs to do its part and find the right fit.
MORE: 3 infield trade options for Phillies to consider ahead of the 2026 MLB trade deadline
