Phillies urged by ESPN to trade for Twins All-Star, but it's not Byron Buxton

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The Philadelphia Phillies are heading into July with a lot of optimism about the team for a World Series in 2026, and the fan base is eagerly hoping to see plenty of representation in Philadelphia for the All-Star Game.

But, not long after the midsummer classic, the focus will shift to the MLB trade deadline. For the Phillies, they're likely to look for a few positions, with outfield, and specifically a right-handed hitting outfielder, as their top target.

When ESPN's David Schoenfield urges the Phillies to trade for a Twins' All-Star, it's reasonable to suspect it's righty slugger Byron Buxton. But, instead, Schoenfield want's the Phillies to trade for starting pitcher Joe Ryan.

Phillies urged to trade not for Byron Buxton from the Twins, but for Joe Ryan

"Philadelphia Phillies/Atlanta Braves: Trade for Joe Ryan," Schoenfield writes. "As for the Phillies, they need offense -- but like the Padres, they really will have to rely on their current guys, like Trea Turner, J.T. Realmuto and Alec Bohm, to hit better."

The Phillies do need help in the starting rotation this season, as Aaron Nola has struggled mightily, while Andrew Painter has already been sent back down to the minors after a rough start to his big league career.

But, it's still interesting that Schoenfield is linking the Phillies to such a blockbuster trade for Ryan, the Twins' All-Star starting pitcher under club control through the 2027 season, as the starter for the team to target.

Considering how badly they need help in the outfield, with a new right-handed slugger such a high priority, spending premium resources on Ryan to be the team's fourth starter would be a little odd.

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In theory, having Ryan join the rotation with Cristopher Sanchez, Zack Wheeler, and Jesus Luzardo would give them four great starters, two lefties and two righties, for the playoffs.

But it still wouldn't resolve the offensive issue, and if they did find a way to trade for Ryan, it would cost quite a lot.

There's no denying that Ryan, who has a 3.61 ERA this season and might be on his way to a second All-Star nod, would be a nice pickup for the Phillies. But it would cost a lot, especially to be their fourth starter.

Schoenfield believes the Phillies should trade for Ryan this summer. It might make sense on paper, but in practice, the huge cost it'd take to add him might be better spent on Buxton or some other star righty-hitting outfielder.