MLB Trade Rumors: Phillies, Nationals Talking Multi-Player Deal inc. All-Star

The Philadelphia Phillies are known to be looking for an outfielder as well as a reliever to complete their roster heading into the playoffs, and according to multiple major league sources, they're looking within their division, to the Washington Nationals, to fill both needs in one fell swoop.

“The Washington Nationals are a team to monitor. The Phillies are interested in hard-throwing reliever Kyle Finnegan and outfielder Lane Thomas, according to multiple major-league sources.”

-@MattGelb pic.twitter.com/WoVVZm2wEh
— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) July 24, 2024

The Phillies are talking to the Nats about acquiring both Lane Thomas and All-Star Kyle Finnegan. Thomas played like an All-Star in 2023, though didn't quite make the cut.

As for the bullpen, the Phillies certainly have some late-inning options already in Jeff Hoffman, Jose Alvarado and more. But in the postseason, you can never have too many shut-down arms coming out of the 'pen. Finnegan also would bring something that no Phillies reliever has been able to do this season, which is pitch on back-to-back days. Finnegan has done it 13 times.

The All-Star closer, who has 28 saves for the second consecutive season (with over two months to play), is under team control for another year, which leaves MLB Network's Steve Phillips wondering why the Nats would consider trading him as they are hoping to be a contender next season.

Thomas is also under control for another year. He had 28 homers and 20 stolen bases last season for the Nats, though has missed a bit of time this season and hasn't quite matched the power numbers, with only eight long-balls, but he is burning up the basepaths, with 26 thefts.

With a .932 OPS against left-handed pitchers this season, he would be the perfect platoon complement for Brandon Marsh in the Phillies outfield. Marsh has a .211/.268/.289 slash line against southpaws.

Washington would be asking a high price for Finnegan and Thomas. According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phils have several middle-tier rotation prospects that could appeal to Washington.

Whether that would be enough to get this done is in question.