Dating back to the offseason, even Phillies president Andy MacPhail was on the record saying he would like to get more left-handed in the starting rotation. After showing interest in free agents Patrick Corbin, J.A. Happ, and at times Dallas Keuchel, the Phillies went forward without a pitching addition. The Phillies could still make a move, but one of the top left-handed trade candidates this season reportedly has the Phillies on a no-trade list.
According to Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic, the Phillies are one of eight teams to which Bumgarner 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
So the news for the Phillies is not necessarily bad; it just adds a layer to the acquisition.
Bumgarner has built himself some leverage by naming the teams perhaps most likely to look to acquire his services in a trade. Should a team such as the Phillies work out a trade with the Giants, that could mean Bumgarner asks for some money to waive his no-trade clause, or perhaps even a contract extension. That certainly does not rule out the possibility the Phillies trade for Bumgarner, but they might wish to have some certainty before agreeing to a trade what Bumgarner is seeking.
The Phillies have also shown interest in left-handed pitcher Mike Minor and Arizona Diamondbacks left-handed starter Robbie Ray could be available down the stretch. The Diamondbacks, despite trading star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, are in contention for the National League West and a wild card as of today and therefore might not move Ray.
