Phillies Told to Target $63M Blue Jays Star in Blockbuster Trade Ahead of Deadline Amid Aaron Nola Injury

The Philadelphia Phillies are riding high on success with a 27-18 record that put them high in the ranks in the National League East. However, they have now faced a major setback with the loss of their starting pitcher, Aaron Nola. He suffered an injury in his right ankle and had been on the injury list of players for fifteen days as of May 15. Now that Nola is out of the race, MLB analyst Drew VonScio has linked the Phillies to a trade involving a Toronto Blue Jays’ $63 million star.

The Phillies’ right-handed Aaron Nola suffered an injury right before starting to pitch against the Cleveland Guardians on May 9. Not only did he struggle in the next two starts but he also went 1-for-7 with a 6.16 ERA this season. During Wednesday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals, across the five starts he made, he gave away four runs while surrendering nine runs in his 12 hits. Drew VonScio wrote, “Ahead of Friday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Nola was officially placed on the 15-day injured list with a right ankle sprain. Mick Abel is being called up to take his place temporarily in the rotation and will start Sunday.”

Although there are options, VonScio believed that the Phillies should consider getting players from outside rather than from the team itself. Not only would it give them better exposure, but it would also help them find talents that align with the requirements that they might be looking for. As of now, the best option can be the Toronto Blue Jays’ star, Chris Bassitt. Bassitt has created magic for the Blue Jays. He has a 3.16 ERA and has already struck out 55 times across the nine starts he made for his team this season. Drew VonScio wrote, “His pitching has certainly helped keep Toronto alive in a competitive American League East Division.” Stressing the importance of having pitchers who have below a 3.50 ERA, VonScio believed that having Bassitt could make the Phillies have one of the best rotations this season.

The Philadelphia Phillies have multiple options as starters, including Jesus Luzardo, Taijuan Walker, Christopher Sanchez, and Zack Wheeler. Additionally, Bassitt is more of a luxury for them, but it works nonetheless. VonScio added that Chris Bassitt is an even better option for the Phillies because he will be a free agent at the end of the season. But that’s not all!

The Toronto Blue Jays have already spent a massive $500 million on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for fourteen years. So, it’s very unlikely that the Blue Jays will go big on Bassitt or maybe even retain him. Bassitt can, though, fetch higher amounts if he becomes a free agent. Therefore, it’s always very beneficial to add a starter of Bassitt’s caliber before the deadline, provided the cost isn’t too high.

Phillies manager provides major update on replacement amid Nola’s injury

While the speculations continue to swirl in the air about a potential trade between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Toronto Blue Jays, manager Rob Thomson comes up with a surprise update. “We thought he could pitch through it, but it’s not getting out so before it turns into an elbow or quad or shoulder, it’s best we shut him down right down,” Thomson said while discussing the precautionary measures that they have undertaken before the start of the Phillies-Pirates series opener.

While Mick Abel has been called up from the minor league to debut against the Pirates on Sunday, Taijuan Walker is slated to replace Aaron Nola in the rotation. But since he hadn’t made many pitches, he might not be completely healthy, so Abel seized the chance. The 23-year-old talent has been currently going 5-2 with a 2.72 ERA across his eight starts. It’s indeed impressive and Thomson cannot deny that as well. He said, “He’s just pitching so well and he was supposed to pitch tonight against Syracuse. We scratched that start; he’ll throw a bullpen tonight and he’ll join us tomorrow and pitch on Sunday.”

Abel looked confident—throwing strikes and missing hits by the batters—and the walk rate reduced as well. That’s why Thomson is optimistic that he will deliver. And with Drew VonScio’s prediction that the Phillies could add Chris Bassitt, the Phillies might be thinking that Nola’s injury came as a blessing in disguise.

However, Nola’s injury doesn’t look serious and he may be back to the mound in fifteen days, as presumed by Thomson. Do you think the Phillies can get Chris Bassitt?

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