Phillies Passed on Starting Pitcher as Trade Prices Cost Multiple Top Prospects

3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Aug 15

Dave Dombrowski said Philadelphia did pursue rotation help at the deadline but walked away when asking prices exceeded what the club was willing or able to match.
Prospect cost drove the decision: Tampa Bay gave up three top-30 prospects for Freddy Peralta, while San Diego sent two top-21 prospects to San Francisco for Robbie Ray.
Philadelphia had already used Ramon Marquez—its top trade chip—in the Luis Arraez and Caleb Kilian deal and was not prepared to move No. 2 prospect Gage Wood for a starter.
Andrew Painter’s recent improvement after a 7.06 ERA over his first 14 appearances, along with Aaron Nola regaining form, also reduced the urgency to add another starter.
The Phillies still made four deadline deals, adding Arraez, Kilian and reliever Brooks Raley, and now need their current rotation to hold up in the playoff push.