Mar 31, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics outfielder JJ Bleday before the game against the Chicago Cubs at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images Sergio Estrada
Dave Dombrowski went off the board by acquiring Brandon Marsh in August of 2022, and Austin Hays in July of 2024. Neither was necessarily a name a ton of people were connecting with the Phillies — or anyone else — until a deal was completed.
So what players could fall under that category for the Phillies this year? Here's five names that you probably won't see on a list of trade candidates, that could, in theory, make sense for the Phillies.
Dane Myers is having an impressive season for the Marlins. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
We'll give credit to KP on Bluesky for repeatedly suggesting this name as someone the Phillies should consider.
Myers was selected by the Marlins in the minor-league Rule 5 Draft in 2022, and after appearing in 66 games over the last two seasons, he's playing really well in a regular role for the Fish this season. Myers is hitting .304 with a .785 OPS. He's a right-handed hitter, which checks a box for the Phillies. He's also a legitimate option in center field, with three defensive runs saved and three outs above average in 351 1/3 innings out there this season.
Considering Myers won't even become arbitration-eligible until 2027, you would think the Marlins would like to hold onto him. But he's 29 years old, so there might be something to be said if you're a bad team for potentially selling high on a guy you aren't sure will still be playing this well in a year.
Could the Phillies bring Hoby Milner back? (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images) Hoby Milner: Reliever, Texas RangersWay back in 2018, Gabe Kapler referred to Hoby Milner as "nasty, brother" in a contentious debate with Angelo Cataldi on SportsRadio 94 WIP.
As comical as that line may have been, Kapler was on to something. Milner had a 2.01 ERA in 37 games for the Phillies in 2017. This year for the Rangers? Milner had a 2.01 ERA in 37 games. That may mean nothing, but it's definitely a crazy stat.
In all seriousness, the Phillies are going to need another high-leverage lefty because José Alvarado won't be eligible to pitch in the postseason. Milner, now 34, would be a good fit, because he does present a really tough look for lefties.
Jo Adell is a power threat. (Denny Medley/Imagn Images)The No. 10 overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, Adell is a hitter with tremendous bat speed that hasn't ever consistently realized his potential in Anaheim:
Adell has been particularly boom or bust in 2025. He's hitting just .234 with a .308 on-base percentage, but he has 18 home runs, 42 RBIs and an .806 OPS. Certainly, the Phillies could use the right-handed thump he would provide.
It's possible that Adell is too much of a project for what the Phillies need right now, especially considering he's graded out poorly in center field and is really more of a corner outfield option. But Adell is still only 26 years old and can't become a free agent until after the 2027 season, so he could be an intriguing change of scenery candidate.
Caleb Ferguson is having a strong season for the Pirates. (Kyle Ross/Imagn Images)Both Dennis Santana and David Bednar will be names frequently connected to the Phillies from Pittsburgh's bullpen, but Ferguson should also be on the radar.
The 28-year-old lefty is having the best season of his career. Across 36 games for the Buccos, Ferguson has a 2.91 ERA and 2.97 FIP. Left-handed hitters are batting just .192 against Ferguson this season.
This would be a fairly simple trade compared to the other names on this list. Ferguson can become a free agent after this season, so he would be a rental.
JJ Bleday could be an interesting trade candidate. (Jim Rassol/Imagn Images)Bleday is a native of Danville, Pa. that the Miami Marlins selected with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft after his collegiate career at Vanderbilt.
When the Marlins traded Bleday to the Athletics in February of 2023, he was on a bust trajectory. That continued when he posted a .666 OPS in 82 games in 2023. However, he broke out in 2024 by doubling 43 times, the sixth most in baseball. But he's regressed in 2025, as he's hitting only .193.
With minus-eight defensive runs saved in center field, teams will likely view Bleday as a corner outfielder. He is also a left-handed hitter, so the Phillies would be replacing Max Kepler with another lefty if they acquired him. Bleday may just be a better fit for other teams.
But he would represent an interesting swing. He was a doubles machine last year, and can't become a free agent until after 2028. The A's have quite a few talented young position players, so for the right price they might be willing to part with Bleday. He's definitely worth considering since he's only 27.
