Phillies rumor has D-Backs .565 OPS outfielder as possible trade target

1 hour ago 1

With the Philadelphia Phillies just 2.0 games back in the NL East, and after their resurgence from a 9-19 start, this club is likely to make at least one move at the trade deadline to improve the roster.

While starting pitching and back-end bullpen help are at the top of the list, so too is a right-handed hitting outfielder. Byron Buxton and Mike Trout aren't options, so the Phillies have to explore some other options this summer.

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Phillies reportedly have some interest in acquiring Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., but he has a .565 OPS this season, and is not the Phillies' best option at all.

Phillies rumor has Lourdes Gurriel Jr. as trade target

"The Phillies have included Diamondbacks left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. among their possible trade targets for a right-handed hitting outfielder, which also includes Angels right fielder Jo Adell," Nightengale writes.

Jo Adell has been a name brought up a few times before as a trade target this summer, but this is the first mention of Gurriel as a potential option.

But there's a good reason why Gurriel is not a popular trade candidate for the Phillies outfield. Unlike some of their other options, Gurriel has struggled this season.

MORE: Phillies trade idea lands Jung Hoo Lee and Robbie Ray from Giants for 2 prospects

Across 167 at-bats since returning from the injured list, the 32-year-old Diamondbacks outfielder has posted -0.5 bWAR with a .216 batting average, two home runs, 20 RBIs, and a .565 OPS with a 56 OPS+ in 45 games.

To make matters worse, Gurriel is not cheap, as he's in the final year of a three-year, $42 million contract that includes a 2027 club option.

Considering how badly the Phillies need a right-handed hitting outfielder, they can't really afford to be picky. But, when it comes to Gurriel, maybe the Phillies should pass.

While Nightengale is reporting the Phillies have added Gurriel to their list of right-handed hitting outfield trade targets, they're likely better off relying on Derek Hill than trying to land Gurriel in hopes he turns things around.