The Philadelphia Phillies are feeling the pressure in their pursuit of a World Series title, as time is running out. Many of their core players are now in their early 30s, and several key contributors have contracts expiring after this season or in 2026. Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays may have already missed their window. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remains unsigned to a contract extension, and the team is stuck in a highly competitive AL East. If Opening Day is any indication, they could follow the path of last year’s Miami Marlins and start selling off pieces early.
While hitters like Guerrero, Bo Bichette, and George Springer are obvious trade candidates, the Blue Jays also have a valuable pitching asset: Kevin Gausman, the 2023 AL strikeout leader. Gausman is signed through next season, aligning perfectly with Philly’s championship window. Adding him to the rotation would allow the Phillies to shift Ranger Suárez back to the bullpen, helping preserve his health and potentially recapturing his 2021 form. The 34-year-old Gausman has posted an ERA under four for five straight seasons. Though his strikeout numbers dipped last year, he returned to form in the second half. Acquiring him won’t come cheap, but the Phillies might have the assets to make it happen.
They were willing to trade two Top-30 prospects for Jesús Luzardo in the offseason, and a similar offer could work here. In this scenario, the Phillies could send pitcher Mick Abel (No. 8 prospect) and catcher/first baseman Alirio Ferrebus (No. 25) to Toronto, along with utility infielder Kody Clemens. Abel, 23, reached AAA last season and, despite some struggles, still has the tools to develop into a solid major league arm. In a rebuilding environment with less immediate pressure, he could thrive. Ferrebus, a 19-year-old Venezuelan prospect, has excelled in the Dominican Summer League for two straight years. He would fill a significant need in Toronto’s farm system, which lacks a Top-30 catching prospect. The Phillies, meanwhile, have the depth to move him without weakening their pipeline.
Clemens adds immediate value as a versatile infielder under club control for four more years. With arbitration eligibility coming up this offseason, he could serve as a temporary infield option if Guerrero and potentially Bichette are traded.
Bullpen help is notoriously hard to find, and this trade would strengthen two areas for the Phillies. For Dave Dombrowski, this creative approach could be a smart move to bolster the team’s World Series chances.
