Phillies predicted to trade for 4.51 ERA Blue Jays All-Star starting pitcher

Phillies predicted to trade for 4.51 ERA Blue Jays All-Star starting pitcher originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

>Of the top three needs for the Philadelphia Phillies this season, the No. 5 spot in the starting rotation might be one of the most important when it comes to actually making the postseason.

>Their current options at that spot, including Andrew Painter, haven't lived up to the billing. Add in Aaron Nola's inconsistencies, and the Phillies have a real problem in the rotation. They really could use one more high-level starter.

>That's why ESPN's David Schoenfield is predicting that the Phillies will swing a trade for 4.51 ERA Toronto Blue Jays right-handed starting pitcher, and former two-time All-Star Kevin Gausman.

Phillies predicted to trade for Kevin Gausman from Blue Jays"Toronto Blue Jays trade Kevin Gausman to Phillies," Schoenfield predicts. "... The Phillies are 14-34 when one of the big three doesn't start. In other words, they could use a starter not just for the postseason, but maybe even just to get there."

>In the week leading up to the trade deadline, the Phillies have been linked to the Blue Jays for a few different reasons. Jeff Hoffman and Daulton Varsho are two other suitable trade targets.

>But Gausman might be the most intriguing pickup from the Blue Jays the Phillies could make. The $110 million starting pitcher is a free agent after 2026 and is not having the best season at 35 years old.

>In 22 starts this year, Gausman is 4-10 (most losses in MLB) with a 4.51 ERA. He does have 1.0 bWAR and has 123 strikeouts in 121.2 innings pitched.

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>But, overall, Gausman has been below average, posting a 99 ERA+ this season out of the Blue Jays' rotation. He was an All-Star back in 2023 with Toronto when he had a 3.16 ERA, and last year he had a 3.59 ERA.

>Part of his appeal is that he had a 2.93 ERA in 30.2 innings in last year's playoffs for the Blue Jays. Adding a veteran starter with playoff experience as their new No. 5 option would make a lot of sense.

>It won't exactly be cheap, but if the Phillies are willing to eat the bulk, if not all of Gausman's remaining contract, they could land the righty for a reasonable price.

>Schoenfield is predicting the Phillies will acquire Gausman this summer, and he'd be an instant upgrade for the rotation while giving them an option to start come the postseason.

>He might not be Tarik Skubal, but when it comes to veteran starting pitcher trade targets, Gausman's upside is right up there with plenty of the other top arms this summer.

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