The Phillies’ championship window won’t stay open forever, making them one of the most intriguing teams to watch as the trade deadline approaches.
Philadelphia’s front office knows the clock is ticking. Several key players hit free agency next winter, and their core largely consists of players on the wrong side of 30. They’ve already made one significant rotation upgrade this winter by acquiring Jesús Luzardo from Miami, but they might not be done yet.
If the Blue Jays fall out of contention, they could become prime sellers with two-time All-Star Kevin Gausman potentially available. He’d be a perfect fit for a Phillies team looking to maximize their championship chances.
On Saturday, Athlon’s Mike Ostrowski proposed a trade package that would send pitching prospect Mick Abel, catching prospect Alirio Ferrebus, and utility infielder Kody Clemens to Toronto for Gausman.
“Gausman is under contract through next year, perfectly fitting Philly’s contending window. Adding another arm to the rotation would also allow them to move Ranger Suárez back to the bullpen, preserving his health and giving him a chance to return to his 2021 dominance,” Ostrowski wrote.
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“Gausman would take a haul for any team to get, but the Phils may have the pieces to get it done. They were willing to deal a pair of Top-30 prospects for Jesús Luzardo in the offseason, and a similar offer here could work.”
Gausman, 34, wasn’t at his absolute best in 2023, but still delivered 31 starts with a respectable 3.83 ERA. That’s after receiving Cy Young votes in each of the three previous seasons. He’s off to a promising start in 2024, picking up a win in his season debut Friday night.
The financial piece is worth considering. Gausman’s $110 million contract pays him $23 million annually through 2026. For the Phillies, who are deep into luxury tax territory, every dollar is essentially doubled. But when you’re as all-in as Philadelphia is right now, that’s a price that might be worth paying.
