MLB Insider Says Phillies Should ‘Worry’ at MLB Trade Deadline originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Philadelphia Phillies are 10 games above .500, but one MLB insider thinks the team has several holes to fill as the MLB Trade Deadline draws closer. According to ESPN’s Bradford Doolittle, the Phillies are in dire need of improvements at several key spots.

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Doolittle says fans and the team alike should “worry” about what they need at the deadline, especially with an injury to Bryce Harper and an “average” offense that he says is being carried by Harper, Trea Turner and Schwarber. Oh, and offensive firepower is not even his biggest concern.

“The position group once again rates as one of baseball’s poorest defenses,” Doolittle said.

The starting rotation remains the most solid component to this Phillies team, which can only carry a team so far with lackluster production outside of the starting pitchers.

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) looks on during an injury delay in the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) looks on during an injury delay in the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Unfortunately for Phillies fans, defensive woes and an average offense are not Doolittle’s only concerns. Still, the insider noted an ideal scenario for Philadelphia to attack the deadline.

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“If the offense can produce consistently — and soon, given the competitive environment in the NL — Dave Dombrowski can focus his trade resources on upgrading the Phillies’ leaky bullpen,” Doolittle wrote.

But at 10 games above .500, If Dombrowski can somehow address the bullpen and what some consider one of the worst defenses in the MLB, this team still has plenty of playoff potential.

That potential will depend on if Harper can return from his wrist injury sooner rather than later. According to Paul Casella at MLB.com, it is the same injury he battled for much of last season.

Harper has now been on the 10-day injured list since Saturday, June 7. That means he can return to play as early as next week Tuesday, June 17.

Related: Phillies Urged to Pursue Orioles’ Slugger Amid Bryce Harper Injury

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.