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4 Dark Horse Trade Targets for Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies
May 7, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly (8) walks to the mound for a pitching change during the fourth inning against the Athletics at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Phillies enter the 2026-27 offseason needing to lengthen a top-heavy roster after securing only the NL’s final playoff spot and exiting early again.

With Alec Bohm, Luis Arraez, and Edmundo Sosa hitting free agency, the infield has openings at third base and second base (or utility).

Corner outfield needs a right-handed power bat after Adolis García’s struggles, while the bullpen and catching depth require help to ease J.T. Realmuto’s workload and support the rotation of Cristopher Sánchez, Zack Wheeler, Jesús Luzardo, Aaron Nola, and Andrew Painter.

Here are four under-the-radar trade targets who fit those needs without demanding star-level prospect capital.

Jake Burger, 1B/3B, Texas Rangers

The 30-year-old righty hit 28 home runs and drove in 90 runs in 2026 with a .228/.302/.421 line, providing the thump the Phillies lacked from their infield.

Entering his second arbitration year, he is controllable and could slot in at third base (or first/DH if Bryce Harper shifts) to replace Bohm’s production with more power against lefties. Texas, facing payroll constraints and prospect depth, has incentive to move him for pitching or younger position players, making him a realistic buy-low power addition.

Otto Lopez, SS/2B, Miami Marlins

Lopez is a high-contact, speedy middle infielder with strong defense who posted solid offensive numbers in 2026, including a high batting average and base-stealing ability. The Marlins might deal from their infield surplus this winter.

For the Phillies, he offers versatile depth or a potential everyday option at second base while Aidan Miller develops, complementing Bryson Stott’s flexibility and adding athleticism without a long-term commitment.

And remember: Philadelphia acquired Jesus Luzardo from Miami a couple of offseasons ago.

Jo Adell, OF, Cleveland Guardians

Acquired by Cleveland at the 2026 deadline, the right-handed power bat finished with 23 homers overall and showed strong production against lefties (.320 average, high OPS in splits).

Entering his final arbitration year (projected around $9.6 million), the low-payroll Guardians may listen on him to manage costs.

He addresses the Phillies’ need for a corner outfielder with right-handed pop to balance the lefty-heavy lineup of Harper and Kyle Schwarber, providing a change-of-scenery upside at a reasonable price.

Freddy Fermin, C, San Diego Padres

The defensive-minded catcher offers a reliable glove (strong framing and run-prevention metrics) and is under control for multiple seasons.

With the Padres developing Ethan Salas and retaining Luis Campusano’s bat, Fermin is a logical trade candidate.

He would give the Phillies a quality backup or platoon partner to reduce Realmuto’s starts, addressing the organization’s stated desire for more rest behind the plate while keeping costs modest.

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