The Philadelphia Phillies had an impressive 2024 regular season, finishing with a 95-67 record to secure a competitive NL East title. Although their postseason run ended in the NL Division Series, they enter the 2025 season as strong contenders. One of their biggest strengths is a deep starting rotation, featuring four former MLB All-Stars—three of whom made the 2024 Midsummer Classic. The offseason acquisition of former top prospect Jesús Luzardo further bolstered their staff, giving Philadelphia a formidable five-man unit.

Highly touted prospect Andrew Painter, ranked among MLB’s top 10 prospects, is expected to make his major league debut this season. If healthy, the former first-round pick will need a spot in the rotation, potentially pushing out an existing starter. A 2024 All-Star, appears to be the most expendable candidate. The left-hander is starting the season on the injured list and is set to reach free agency next offseason. While the Phillies have financial flexibility, they will need to address multiple roster needs, making him a potential trade piece if he returns healthy and Painter proves ready.

A logical trade partner could be the New York Yankees, who are already dealing with rotation issues. With Gerrit Cole out for the entire 2025 season and both Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt beginning the year on the injured list, New York is in need of pitching depth. Meanwhile, the Yankees have a farm system rich in pitching talent, with eight of their top 12 prospects being pitchers—something the Phillies, whose farm system ranks in the middle tier, could benefit from.

Suárez had a solid 2024 season, posting a 12-8 record with a 3.46 ERA and 145 strikeouts over 150 2/3 innings. Set to earn $8.8 million in his final year of team control, he could be a valuable trade chip for Philadelphia ahead of the deadline if the team sees Painter as ready to step into the rotation.