The Philadelphia Phillies have seen their name thrown in MLB trade rumors a lot recently, including this morning. Bob Nightengale from USA today noted two right-handed bats that they have included on their trade targets list. Here’s the names as well as some analysis and thoughts.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is in the midst of a down year with the Arizona Diamondbacks, making his value as low as it ever has been. The 32-year-old LF has become a negative player for the first time in his career (-0.5 WAR) and has really struggled. He is hitting just .216 in 45 games this season.
Gurriel has had success throughout his career, however. He has a career WAR of 12.6 and had sustained success from 2019 to 2025, including an All-Star appearance in 2023. He is a career .271 hitter, something that would greatly contribute to the middle of the Phillies lineup.
Gurriel would unfortunately be the exact type of player that Philadelphia has targeted in previous deadlines. An eerie similarity to Austin Hays would give some Phillies fans real flashbacks. The time for these mediocre additions is over; they need to make real improvements.
Jo Adell has never been able to find consistent success for the Los Angeles Angels, but he has shown flashes. He is currently hitting .247/.294/.693 and has a flat 0.0 WAR.
Adell was at his best last season, playing to a 1.4 WAR with elite power numbers. He put up 37 home runs and 98 RBIs. If this is the Adell the Phillies got, this move would be incredible.
The Adolis Garcia signing in the offseason may indicate the type of player they are looking for, and Adell does fit that mold. A RF with a big arm and real power potential. The unfortunate reality is that this continues the trend of avoiding trading for that big performer who will have real contributions when it matters most.
The Phillies adding another hitter like these two would be a serious disappointment at the 2026 MLB trade deadline. Adding players like Garcia, Hays, Max Kepler, and so many more experiments just aren’t working. They need to make a serious move, like trying to pry Byron Buxton away from the Minnesota Twins.
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