In the days leading up to the Aug. 2 trade deadline, Jayson Stark of The Athletic reported that the Philadelphia Phillies were “shopping for a starter who can start a playoff game.”
While the Phillies would acquire Noah Syndergaard from the Los Angeles Angels, he’s been more of an upgrade over Bailey Falter than a replacement for the injured Zach Eflin to this point. The Phillies didn’t want to part with any of their top three pitching prospects; Andrew Painter, Mick Abel or Griff McGarry. Ultimately, the price to acquire some of the top potential arms — Luis Castillo, Frankie Montas, Carlos Rodón — proved to be too steep.