
Phillies Reportedly Interested In Cardinals Trio As Trade Deadline Nears
The Philadelphia Phillies are in an arms race with the New York Mets, and they aren't done yet. According to Bob Nightengale, the Phillies have expressed interest in a trio of players from the St. Louis Cardinals, who are reportedly "wide open for business."
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - JULY 27: Brendan Donovan #33 of the St. Louis Cardinals fields the ball against the San Diego Padres in the eighth inning at Busch Stadium on July 27, 2025 in St...
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - JULY 27: Brendan Donovan #33 of the St. Louis Cardinals fields the ball against the San Diego Padres in the eighth inning at Busch Stadium on July 27, 2025 in St Louis, Missouri. More
Photo byThe Phillies are interested in Lars Nootbaar, Brendan Donovan and Alec Burleson as the trade deadline countdown is on. While the Cardinals are still set on retooling for their new regime, that does not protect some of the major league assets at this trade deadline.
Donovan was an All-Star this season for the first time in his career and has a couple more seasons of team control left before he hits free agency. The Cardinals' lefty can play all around the diamond and would fit into the Phillies' needs, wherever they may need him.
Burleson and Nootbaar have been part of a blocked-up outfield that the Cardinals have spent this season trying to solve for the future, and Burleson has solidified himself in the Cardinals' lineup for the future. The outfielder has hit .287 this season with 14 home runs, which would result in a decent return for the Cardinals and would slot into the Phillies' outfield.
Nootbaar has been expected to break out for the past few seasons, but has struggled to stay on the field with injuries and has shown flashes of what he can be at times. Like Burleson, Nootbaar would be able to slot into the Phillies outfield down the stretch, and if he gets hot, he could be a great investment for Philadelphia.
Neither team is done yet, but both are setting up to head in different directions as a franchise, and both teams have some moves left to be made before the deadline shuts down the market.
More MLB: Red Sox Reportedly Acquire Former AL East Rival In Late-Night Deal With Cardinals

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