There are numerous Philadelphia Phillies pitching fits that can help address the starting pitching need the team has. The team lacks starting pitching depth and Andrew Painter has been optioned to the minor leagues because of underperforming. While the bullpen could also be upgraded the Phillies should focus on acquiring a fifth starter over a relief pitcher. The Phillies should look to add a swingman type pitcher with minor league options in addition to a middle of the rotation starter. While this is an important need finding a right-handed outfield bat is the top trade deadline need.
Phillies starting pitchers have the seventh highest batting average against and second highest BABIP against this season entering play on July 6. The Phillies rotation also has the fifth highest HR/FB rate entering play on July 6. In addition to performance concerns with Painter, adding another starting pitcher should also ensure the Phillies opener question does not come up again this season.
Phillies Pitching Fits At The 2026 Trade Deadline
Sonny Gray – Boston Red Sox
Gray is on a Red Sox team that is in a position to sell at the trade deadline. There is a no-trade clause at play but is will probably not preclude a potential move given the Red Sox position in the standings. Gray has a mutual option for the 2027 season. This season Gray has a 10-1 record with a 2.61 ERA and a 3.60 FIP in 16 starts. Gray also has a 1.10 WHIP and a 3.57 K/BB rate. Opposing batters have a .228 average and a .274 BABIP against Gray this season. Entering play on July 6, Gray ranks in the top 10 in ERA and quality starts among qualified starting pitchers.
Casey Mize – Detroit Tigers
Mize is not the most prominent Tigers starting pitcher in trade rumors but is a more reasonable option for the Phillies than Tarik Skubal. Like Skubal, Mize is scheduled to be a free agent after the 2026 season. Mize has a 4-5 record and a career best 2.64 ERA with a career best 2.72 FIP in 13 starts this season. In addition to that Mize has a career best 0.98 WHIP as well as a career best 4.50 K/BB rate. Opposing batters have a .205 average and a .263 BABIP against Mize this season. While durability is a concern for Mize he is the most intriguing of the Phillies pitching fits on this list.
Michael Wacha – Kansas City Royals
Wacha is under contract through the 2027 season with a team option for the 2028 season. This season Wacha has a 5-6 record with a 3.45 ERA and a 3.91 FIP in 18 starts. Wacha has a 1.16 WHIP and a 2.94 K/BB rate. To add to that Wacha has been named an All-Star for the 2026 season. Opposing batters have a .238 average and a .274 BABIP against Wacha this season. The Royals do have a slight pitching logjam that they may look to clear. Wacha is one of the most logical trade candidates if the Royals choose to move one of their starting pitchers. A list of Phillies pitching fits at this deadline should include Wacha.
The Best Path Forward
Of the Phillies pitching fits the best one of these three trade candidates is Mize. One of the main reasons is that Mize is the youngest player on this list and is a true rental player. The Phillies do not necessarily need a pitcher under contract long term to fill this need. Mize is having a better season than Gray and Wacha as well. Facilitating a trade for Mize should be less complicated as well because salary is not a huge factor. A trade for Gray or Wacha likely involves the Red Sox or Royals absorbing some of the remaining money on each respective contract.
Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
