The Philadelphia Phillies are seen as one of the top contenders for the 2025 World Series, barring major setbacks. ESPN Bet lists them alongside the New York Mets with the fourth-best championship odds (10-to-1) and a projected win total of 91.5 games. Bryce Harper is expected to be a key contributor again, coming off a strong season where he hit 30 home runs and played in over 140 games for the first time since 2021.
However, writer Mike Axisa from CBS Sports predicts that the Phillies could make a bold move at the trade deadline by acquiring St. Louis Cardinals All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado. This move would potentially allow Harper to return to the outfield and shift Alec Bohm across the infield to first base. Arenado, who is entering his 34th year, had a solid 2024 season with 16 home runs, 71 RBIs, and 70 runs scored. He is under contract for three more years with an annual salary of $260 million, which he signed in 2019 while with the Colorado Rockies.
The trade deadline is set for July 31 at 6 p.m. ET, and if this trade happens, it could make the Phillies even stronger for their playoff push.
