As the 2026 MLB trade deadline draws closer, the Philadelphia Phillies are expected to remain among baseball’s most aggressive contenders. With their sights set on another deep postseason run, the front office continues evaluating areas where the roster could be strengthened. A new MLB insider report has now provided fresh insight into the organization’s thinking, identifying the one area Philadelphia appears to be prioritizing above all others.
MLB Insider Reveals Philadelphia Phillies’ Top Trade Deadline Priority
The Phillies are free-falling ahead of the 2026 MLB trade deadline. Philadelphia has lost four straight games, including eight of its last 10, and currently sits in the final Wild Card spot. Now, an MLB insider has identified the Phillies’ top priority at the 2026 MLB trade deadline in August.
Philadelphia is prioritizing another starting pitcher in trade talks ahead of Monday’s deadline, as reported by The Athletic’s Matt Gelb and Charlotte Varnes. This makes sense as the Phillies have struggled to fill the fifth spot in the rotation. Andrew Painter is currently the Phillies’ fifth starter.
In 2025, Painter has a 1-8 record with a 6.72 ERA in 15 games. The former highly regarded prospect pitched well against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, but it still didn’t result in a victory. The Phillies don’t need a fifth starter for the MLB postseason, but they may not even make it without one during the regular season.
So, which starting pitchers make sense for the Phillies at the 2026 MLB trade deadline? There are several players that would elevate the fifth spot in the rotation moving forward.
Who Could the Phillies Target Before the Deadline?
Sep 10, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets pitcher Clay Holmes (35) throws a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Phillies will obviously target Tarik Skubal at the 2026 MLB trade deadline, but it feels like an unlikely addition. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers have much deeper farm systems and pieces the Detroit Tigers would desire. However, there are a few realistic options for Philadelphia.
Kevin Gausman will likely be moved by the Toronto Blue Jays, and this would be an excellent fit. In 2026, Gausman has a 4.51 ERA, but he has hovered around a 3.50 ERA over the last four seasons. The 35-year-old starting pitcher needs a new situation, and the Phillies would be a great landing spot.
What about Robbie Ray? The San Francisco Giants could look to move Ray, who is boasting a strong 3.08 ERA. Ray has been very efficient in his last four starts with San Francisco, allowing three runs across 21 innings. The 34-year-old starting pitcher could become even more than a fifth starter in 2026.
Finally, Clay Holmes would arguably be the best option. Holmes, who has a 2.39 ERA in nine starts, is recovering from a fractured right fibula suffered in May, but should return very soon. The New York Mets will be sellers, and the 33-year-old starting pitcher would be another force in Philadelphia’s rotation.
What’s next for the Philadelphia Phillies?
Philadelphia needs starting pitching help, and several names make sense. The Phillies could target Gausman as the fifth starter or aim higher for someone like Holmes. Either way, there is one clear need for the Philadelpha haead of the 2026 MLB trade deadline. If the Phillies want to get back on track, the organization must acquire a starting pitcher before Monday at 6:00 p.m. ET.
Which starting pitcher should the Philadelphia Phillies target at the 2026 MLB trade deadline?
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Austin Konenski is a writer at Sportsnaut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA, and more. His work can also … More about Austin Konenski