Phillies Urged to Trade All-Star Ace Amid Injury Struggles originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Philadelphia Phillies are tied atop the NL East with the New York Mets and have their eyes on contending for another World Series championship. However, with inconsistent outfielder production and the team’s need for another top-of-the-line starter, those aspirations are at risk.
Advertisement
Phillies’ President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski is never afraid to make a big move at the MLB trade deadline, and Clutch Points’ Garrett Kerman suggests something right up Dombrowski’s alley – trading away ace Aaron Nola.
“Aaron Nola was supposed to be the anchor of the Phillies’ rotation after signing a massive seven-year, $172 million deal. Instead, he’s become one of the team’s most significant liabilities,” wrote Kerman. “Through his first nine starts, Nola has posted a 6.16 ERA and a 1-7 record, surrendering 12 home runs, allowing opponents to tee off at career-high rates, and is now on the Injured List through the All-Star Break. His fastball velocity is down to 91 mph, and advanced metrics paint an even bleaker picture: Nola is giving up the highest expected batting average, slugging percentage, and wOBA of his career.”
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola (27) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park.Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Nola is currently on the 60-day injured list, battling ankle and ribcage ailments. He has been out since May, and his absence has left a significant hole in Philadelphia’s rotation. Yet, Nola’s injury provides Philadelphia an opportunity to get a longer look at top prospect Mick Abel. Abel, 2.21 ERA through four starts, is another name often rumored to be on the trade block. While the organization can still flip Abel at the July 31 deadline, seeing him pitch every fifth day could either raise his stock or make the Phillies more comfortable entertaining offers for Nola.
Advertisement
According to Kerman, Nola’s production is trending downward, and offloading him now may be the best option for Philadelphia.
“Nola’s struggles are not a blip and are a continuation of a troubling trend from recent seasons. With the Phillies’ wide-open window to contend, the front office must consider moving on from their struggling ace before his value drops even further,” wrote Kerman. A change of scenery could benefit both player and club, and the Phillies could use Nola as a centerpiece in a deal to bolster their pitching depth or add a controllable bat.”
Kerman’s proposition is wild and would alter the foundation of the trade market. Although unlikely, with the lack of top-tier arms available, moving Nola could net a significant return for the Phillies.
Related: Phillies Get Good News on Potential Trade For $50 Million Slugger
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.