The Philadelphia Phillies are tied with the New York Mets atop the National League East, entering play on Friday. However, they could still make a shocking trade involving one of their stars.
Not quite at the level of the Boston Red Sox trading Rafael Devers, but the Phillies may try to move on from Aaron Nola, according to ClutchPoints' Garrett Kerman. Nola is in the second year of a seven-year, $172 million deal.
"Aaron Nola was supposed to be the anchor of the Phillies’ rotation after signing a massive seven-year, $172 million deal. Instead, he’s become one of the team’s most significant liabilities," wrote Kerman. "Through his first nine starts, Nola has posted a 6.16 ERA and a 1-7 record, surrendering 12 home runs, allowing opponents to tee off at career-high rates, and is now on the Injured List through the All-Star Break. His fastball velocity is down to 91 mph, and advanced metrics paint an even bleaker picture: Nola is giving up the highest expected batting average, slugging percentage, and wOBA of his career."
Nola is currently on the injured list, and the Phillies are getting a good look at Mick Abel. Abel has a 2.21 ERA through four starts, and the team also has Andrew Painter waiting in the wings. Painter is the No. 5 overall prospect in baseball.
Nola is in his 11th season and has a 3.78 career ERA. Trading Nola won't be easy with his contract and the organization's overall admiration of him. While many contenders would gladly trade for Nola, his injury and age are not helping his trade value.
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"With the Phillies’ wide-open window to contend, the front office must consider moving on from their struggling ace before his value drops even further," wrote Kerman. "A change of scenery could benefit both player and club, and the Phillies could use Nola as a centerpiece in a deal to bolster their pitching depth or add a controllable bat."
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