Three Trade Deadline Deals the Phillies Now Wish They Had Made
As Major League Baseball’s trade deadline approaches each year, teams scramble to make moves that could propel them to postseason success. For the Philadelphia Phillies, a team with a storied history and high expectations, the trade deadline is a critical juncture. Over the years, the Phillies have made their share of trades, some of which have been lauded as masterstrokes, while others have been met with mixed reactions. In hindsight, there are several trade deadline deals that the Phillies did not make but now wish they had. These missed opportunities could have significantly altered their trajectory and potentially bolstered their quest for a World Series title.
1. The Missed Opportunity for Mookie Betts (2020)
In the 2020 trade deadline, Mookie Betts was one of the most coveted players on the market. The Boston Red Sox were looking to move their superstar outfielder, who was entering the final year of his contract. Betts, an MVP-caliber player, was a game-changer who could have provided an immediate impact on any team’s roster. The Phillies, who were in contention for the postseason, were rumored to be interested in Betts.
However, the Phillies chose not to pull the trigger on a deal. Instead, Betts was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he played a crucial role in helping the Dodgers win the World Series in 2020. The Phillies, despite having a strong roster, missed out on the chance to acquire one of the game’s brightest stars. Betts’ presence in Philadelphia could have given the team the additional offensive firepower needed to make a deep postseason run, possibly altering the franchise’s recent history.
2. The Nolan Arenado Conundrum (2021)
Nolan Arenado, one of the premier third basemen in baseball, was on the trading block in 2021. The Colorado Rockies, in the midst of a rebuild, were willing to trade Arenado, who was a perennial Gold Glove winner and Silver Slugger. The Phillies, who were looking to bolster their infield and add a power bat, had the opportunity to make a move for Arenado.
Despite the potential benefits of acquiring a player of Arenado’s caliber, the Phillies did not pursue the deal. Instead, Arenado was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. Arenado’s impact on the Cardinals was immediate, as he provided elite defense and offensive production, helping to solidify the Cardinals’ lineup. The Phillies, lacking a consistent power hitter and a reliable defender at third base, missed out on a player who could have filled both roles. Arenado’s addition could have significantly strengthened the Phillies’ lineup and defensive capabilities, potentially changing their fortunes in the competitive National League.
3. The Madison Bumgarner Trade That Never Was (2019)
In the 2019 trade deadline, Madison Bumgarner, the ace left-hander for the San Francisco Giants, was a name frequently mentioned in trade rumors. Bumgarner, known for his postseason heroics and dominant pitching, was a highly sought-after commodity. The Phillies, with a need for a frontline starter to bolster their rotation for a playoff push, had the opportunity to acquire Bumgarner.
Despite the clear fit and the potential impact of adding a pitcher with Bumgarner’s pedigree, the Phillies did not complete the deal. Bumgarner remained with the Giants and continued to be a key pitcher for them. The Phillies, who struggled with consistency in their rotation, missed out on a proven postseason performer. Bumgarner’s presence could have provided the Phillies with the pitching depth and experience needed to navigate the playoffs successfully, possibly leading to a different outcome in their quest for a World Series.
The Impact of These Missed Deals
The trade deadline is a time when teams must weigh immediate gains against long-term consequences. For the Phillies, missing out on Mookie Betts, Nolan Arenado, and Madison Bumgarner represents three significant missed opportunities. Each of these players had the potential to address critical needs and elevate the Phillies’ chances of success.
Betts could have provided the Phillies with a dynamic offensive force, potentially boosting their lineup and making them more formidable in the postseason. Arenado would have addressed the team’s needs at third base with his exceptional defense and power hitting. Bumgarner’s addition would have strengthened the rotation with a reliable ace capable of performing under pressure.
While it’s easy to speculate on what might have been, these missed deals highlight the fine line between success and failure in Major League Baseball. The Phillies, like all teams, must constantly evaluate their options and make decisions that balance short-term gains with long-term goals. The regret over these missed opportunities serves as a reminder of the ever-present challenge of building a championship-caliber team in a competitive league.
