Phillies’ Trade Idea Acquires Red Sox Seven-Time All-Star in Blockbuster Deal originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Philadelphia Phillies are one of the best teams in the majors. Yet, they may have the most glaring holes of any division leader. The outfield production has been subpar, with left field operating somewhat like the Bermuda Triangle.
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Max Kepler is openly criticizing his usage, while the team is venting its frustration with Johan Rojas’ play. The starting pitching is a bright spot, especially as the team eyes October baseball, but the bullpen leaves a lot to be desired in late-inning situations.
Approaching the trade deadline, Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer suggests the Phillies swing for the fences and make a deal with the Boston Red Sox for closer Aroldis Chapman and outfielder Rob Refsnyder.
“By himself, Chapman would likely fetch a midlevel prospect,” wrote Lauber. “But the Red Sox also have a surplus of outfielders, possibly matching them up with the Phillies’ need and enabling them to extract more for Chapman.”
Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (44) pitches against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Chapman, 37, is in the middle of another All-Star-worthy campaign. In 37 appearances, the flame-thrower has a 1.32 ERA, 50 strikeouts, and 14 saves across 34 innings. His fastball is still touching 100 mph regularly, and his WHIFF rate ranks in the 98th percentile, according to Baseball Savant. At a deadline with few elite-level arms available, Chapman is the marquee name.
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Lauber continues by highlighting Refsnyder’s impressive splits against right-handers, an area in which the Phillies outfield ranks 24th, according to FanGraphs.
“Lefty-hitting Jarren Duran is the Sox’s biggest outfield chip despite regressing after a breakout 2024 season,” wrote Lauber. “But a better fit for the Phillies might be Rob Refsnyder, who bats right-handed and mashes lefties (.569 slugging, .972 OPS). He also played for Rob Thomson with the Yankees.”
Going back to the Red Sox is Philadelphia’s #5 prospect, right-hander Mick Abel. Shipping Abel to Boston for one year of Chapman and Refsnyder is an overpay. However, with the clock ticking on their World Series window, Philadelphia cannot afford to miss a chance to add the best reliever on the market and solidify their bullpen ahead of a pivotal second-half stretch.
Related: Phillies ‘Growing Frustrated’ With Lack of Production From Starting Outfielder
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.