By Dhruv Menon

July 18th, 2026

With the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline fast approaching in just 16 days from when this article was published, the Philadelphia Phillies need to adress some positional and pitching needs on their roster so here are 5 guys that are likely trade candidates for the Phillies when the deadline rolls around. First up is Padres LHP Adrian Morejon. This year in 45 games Morejon has a 3.46 ERA a 1.12 WHIP and 59 K's. The Phillies LHP's have combined for a 5.45 era this season and adding Morejon would be a huge get to improve that group. Next we have another pitcher from the padres this time being RHP Jeremiah Estrada. In 21 games Estrada has a 3.48 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP, and 23 K's. With the news that Brad Keller will most likely miss the entire remainder of the 2026 MLB season wth a UCL tear, getting Estrada would fill the hole left by Keller's injury. Morejon is slated to become an unrestricted free agent after this season while Estrada still has 4 years left of control so getting both in a package would be a great deal for the Phillies. Thirdly we have Orioles OF Taylor Ward. With the Orioles record being 47-51 it would make sense for them to try and ship off guys who will be UFA's at the end of the season, and while trading prospects for rentals is not ideal trading for Ward would give you an everyday outfielder that is currently batting .253 with 7 HR's and 27 RBI's to slot right into the middle of your lineup. At number 4 we have Red Sox' relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman. While the Red Sox are starting to heat up it would make sense to try and get whatever you can for a 38 year old reliever and the Phillies should be willing to bite. Aroldis has had a stellar 2026 as in 32 games pitched he has a 2.05 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 38 K's, and 21 saves. Chapman would be the perfect 8th inning set-up man for Jhoan Duran and would make a big impact come red october. And finally we have Twins' SP Joe Ryan. Ryan is one of the top pitchers in the league being named to his second consecutive all star game. His numbers are excellent having a 2.85 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP, and 128K's for the twins. Ryan has 1.5 years of control left, and it would probably take some of the Phillies top prospects like Aiden Miller and/or Gage Wood to get it done, but Ryan is one of the best pitchers in the league and adding him to a rotation with Chris Sanchez, Zack Wheeler, and Jesus Luzardo makes the phillies' rotation by far the best in the league. That wraps up 5 of my favorite MLB trade deadline targets for the Phillies. Let me know your 5 favorites by checking out my youtube.