Phillies Eyeing Trade to Bolster Rotation Depth

GM Dave Dombrowski hints at upcoming roster move to add starting pitching

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Philadelphia Phillies are looking to make a trade this spring to add more starting pitching depth to their roster, according to comments from team president Dave Dombrowski. With some uncertainty around the starting rotation and Zack Wheeler not expected to be ready right away, the Phillies are anticipating more trade activity than usual as they look to shore up their pitching staff ahead of the 2026 season.

Why it matters

The Phillies had an up-and-down offseason, adding some key pieces but also missing out on top free agents. Shoring up the starting rotation through a trade could be a crucial move to help the team contend in the NL East, especially with Wheeler's injury status and the need for more depth behind aces Aaron Nola and Jesus Luzardo.

The details

Dombrowski indicated the Phillies will be active on the trade market this spring as they look to add starting pitching depth. While they may not pursue top-tier free agents, the team could target mid-level starters or pitchers who could provide depth and competition for the back end of the rotation. Names like Kutter Crawford or Patrick Sandoval from the Red Sox have been floated as potential trade targets that could make sense for the Phillies.

  • The Phillies are expected to make a trade to add starting pitching depth this spring, ahead of the 2026 MLB season.

The players

Dave Dombrowski

The president of baseball operations for the Philadelphia Phillies, who has hinted at the team's plans to make a trade to bolster their starting rotation.

Aaron Nola

The Phillies' ace starting pitcher who will anchor their rotation in 2026.

Jesus Luzardo

Another top starting pitcher in the Phillies' rotation, who will team up with Nola to lead the staff.

Zack Wheeler

The Phillies' starting pitcher who is not expected to be ready at the start of the 2026 season due to an injury.

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What they’re saying

“Dave Dombrowski says the Phillies will look for starting pitching depth this spring and anticipates there will be more trade activity than usual with the late-developing free-agent market.”

— Dave Dombrowski, President of Baseball Operations, Philadelphia Phillies (USA Today)

What’s next

The Phillies will likely make a trade in the coming weeks to add a starting pitcher who can provide depth and competition for the back end of their rotation ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Phillies are proactively addressing a potential weakness in their starting rotation by signaling their intent to make a trade this spring. This move demonstrates the team's commitment to building a well-rounded pitching staff that can help them contend in the NL East.