MLB Trade Rumors: 3 Proposed Deals For Phillies To 'Pillage The Trade Market'

December 05, 2025 , , ,


Is Kyle Schwarber coming back to the Philadelphia Phillies? Probably. But not certainly. Is JT Realmuto going to return? Who knows?

But noted ESPN baseball researcher Paul Hembekides told insider Buster Olney that the team needs to pounce and "pillage" the trade market this summer to add to their roster. He calls this "the most pivotal offseason of (president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski's) Phillies tenure. 

Hembo lists three trades that the Phillies should target:

Phillies receive:

  • Harry Ford, C (Mariners' #4 prospect)

Seattle Mariners receive:
  • Bryson Stott, 2B 

Let Realmuto walk, is the suggestion from Hembo, as the veteran backstop is going into his age-35 season, and secure a top catching prospect in Ford for the Phillies' future. Ford is blocked in Seattle by MVP-candidate Cal Raleigh behind the plate, while the M's could use a legit and proven second baseman.

Phillies receive:

  • Willson Contreras, 1B

St. Louis Cardinals receive:
  • Two prospects

"I'd have Willson Contreras play first base for me, and bump Bryce Harper out to right field, so I can add another right-handed bat in my lineup," says Hembekides.


Phillies receive:

  • Jordan Westburg, 2B/3B OR Adley Rutschman, C

Baltimore Orioles receive:
  • Jesus Luzardo, SP

We know that the O's are in desperate need of a high-end starter for their rotation, and Luzardo would certainly have them interested. One of these eye-popping one-for-one deals should satisfy the Phillies, going for one of Baltimore's top young position players in Westburg or Rutschman (the latter, assuming they don't acquire Ford from Seattle).

Some creative blockbuster moves for the Phillies to consider, as they try to maintain a strong present and future in this 'pivotal' offseason. 

Photo: © Joe Puetz-Imagn Images

Go To: NFL Rumors | NBA Rumors | NHL Rumors