By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
The first-place Philadelphia Phillies own the second-best record in the National League; yet, they appear to be anything but satisfied and willing to remain "status quo" when it comes to assembling the best possible 25-man roster.
On Wednesday, baseball scribe Jayson Stark joined 97.5 The Fanatic, and shed light that the club is ready to be "really aggressive on the trading market, and soon," with one of their targets being four-time All-Star, three-time World Series champion and two-time Silver Slugger Award winner, LHP Madison Bumgarner.
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While the Phillies had planned to mostly target pitching "of all shapes and sizes," Odubel Herrera's alleged incident earlier this week resulting his placement on administrative leave with possible suspension "could change that," according to Stark.
Yet, the club's lengthy injuries, particularly to their bullpen, leaves them with no choice but to address their pitching depth.
“I feel like we have even better baseball in us.”#Phillies Manager Gabe Kapler pic.twitter.com/lO0ftTX4KP
— Dave Uram (@MrUram) May 29, 2019
"They have more options, more depth in their rotation than the bullpen right now," Stark said.
"They've had so many relievers go down, and that's one reason that Vince [Velasquez] is in the pen. … Nick Pivetta is 'under the microscope.' I think it's safe to say he earned the right to come back, but they obviously have reservations. …
Winning matters now. Commitment to that mission is what's going to keep guys in the big leagues. If not, they will go find other guys."
Among the names Stark is hearing the Phillies will be "in" on is Bumgarner.
According to Stark, the 11-year veteran could be dealt by the NL second-worst San Francisco Giants "as soon as mid-June."
A trade between the Phillies and Giants will require approval from Bumgarner, as the Phillies are among the southpaw's list of eight teams in which he can reject a trade.
Madison Bumgarner’s eight-team no-trade list, per sources:#Braves#RedSox#Cubs#Astros#Brewers#Yankees#Phillies#STLCards
Bumgarner chose teams strategically; list comprised solely of contenders that might want to acquire him from #SFGiants, not teams he wants to avoid.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 11, 2019
Tasting postseason baseball last season, albeit coming up short, the Phillies made multiple trades in an attempt to improve the club. It can only be expected that will be repeated, and perhaps amplified, ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.
