Phillies Encouraged to Trade Bryce Harper in Blockbuster Deal for $260 Million Star
The Philadelphia Phillies are entering the 2025 season as strong World Series contenders, barring any major setbacks. ESPN Bet ranks them alongside the New York Mets with the fourth-best championship odds (10-to-1) and a projected win total of 91.5 games. Bryce Harper is expected to play a key role after hitting 30 home runs last season and surpassing 140 games played for the first time since 2021.
However, as the season progresses, circumstances could shift. CBS Sports writer Mike Axisa made a bold prediction, suggesting that the Phillies could make a major move before the July trade deadline—potentially acquiring St. Louis Cardinals All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado.
Axisa hinted at Philadelphia as a possible landing spot without explicitly naming them. “Where will Arenado land?” he wrote. “I won’t be specific, but there’s a certain all-in NL East team with an aging core that wouldn’t have to work too hard to adjust its infield (by shifting a certain outfielder-turned-first baseman back to the outfield).” He predicted Arenado would be traded before the deadline rather than waiting for free agency.
Harper, 32, has primarily played first base and designated hitter over the past two seasons, making only 16 starts in the outfield since 2021. If Arenado joins the Phillies, it would likely require third baseman Alec Bohm to transition to first base to accommodate the 10-time Gold Glove winner at third. Bohm has played both positions since his MLB debut in 2020, though the majority of his starts have come at third base.
Arenado, now 34, has experienced a gradual statistical decline but remains a productive player. In 2024, he hit .272 with 16 home runs, 71 RBIs, and 70 runs scored over 635 plate appearances. He is still under contract for three more years on the eight-year, $260 million deal he originally signed with the Colorado Rockies in 2019.
With the 2025 MLB trade deadline set for July 31 at 6 p.m. ET, all eyes will be on the Phillies to see if they make a blockbuster move to further bolster their championship aspirations.
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