The Phillies might have something special brewing in their rotation after **Mick Abel**’s latest performance.
The prospect delivered in his second big-league start Wednesday against Toronto, allowing just three hits over five-plus innings. It’s the kind of outing that suggests Philadelphia’s pitching depth is getting even more impressive.
Think about what they’re working with. **Zack Wheeler** and **Jesus Luzardo** anchor the front of the rotation, with **Ranger Suarez** and **Cristopher Sanchez** providing solid options behind them. **Aaron Nola**’s working his way back from injury, **Taijuan Walker**’s settled into a bullpen role, and **Andrew Painter** is still waiting in the wings.
That’s a lot of arms.
With pitching looking more stable, the Phillies can probably shift their focus to the offense as the trade deadline approaches. And Jon Conahan of Athlon Sports has suggested a trade target that would certainly turn heads: **Marcell Ozuna** from the division rival Braves.
“Yes, the Phillies and Braves trading together might not be too likely, but the Phillies have the farm system to get the job done if Atlanta is willing to send him to Philadelphia,” Conahan wrote.
The idea isn’t as wild as it sounds. Ozuna’s been one of baseball’s most consistent power threats lately, crushing **39 homers** last season and **40** the year before. But the Braves might be more willing to move him after some troubling injury developments.
“Marcell Ozuna was the Atlanta Braves’ best and most consistent hitter for most of two calendar years beginning in early May 2023. That’s why it was so noticeable when Ozuna suddenly became as streaky as most of the Braves’ other key hitters, after injuring his right hip in mid-April.”
That’s from **David O’Brien** of The Athletic, and it highlights the concern around Ozuna’s recent struggles.
The hip injury seems to have disrupted his rhythm, and with Ozuna set to hit free agency after this season, Atlanta might be listening to offers. The question is whether Philadelphia would make sense as a landing spot.
Here’s the thing: the Phillies already have arguably the best designated hitter in baseball not named **Shohei Ohtani** in **Kyle Schwarber**. Adding Ozuna would mean one of them would need to play the outfield regularly.
That could get messy defensively.
But the offensive upside is hard to ignore. Picture a lineup with Ozuna’s power alongside Schwarber, **Bryce Harper**, **Nick Castellanos**, and the rest of Philadelphia’s talented group. The division rival aspect makes it unlikely, but the Phillies do have the prospect capital to make something happen if both sides get creative.
It would certainly be one way to maximize their championship window while this core is still together.
