Why Aaron Nola is Phillies' most important player over next month
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Why Aaron Nola is Phillies' most important player over next month originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Philadelphia Phillies are 2.5 games back from the Atlanta Braves with a month to go until the August 3 trade deadline. This team has climbed back from a 9-19 record and now looks to be a legitimate World Series contender again.
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But that doesn't mean all is well with the team. A right-handed hitting outfielder and a high-leverage reliever are trade deadline needs for this team. So too is another starter, but that need might all depend on one player: Aaron Nola.
MLB.com's Todd Zolecki noted how Nola's production over the next month could impact the Phillies' trade deadline plans. While other players might have a bigger impact, Nola's July will have the largest impact on the deadline than any other player.
Why Aaron Nola is Phillies' most important player in July for MLB trade deadline
"Nola's performance over the next few weeks could influence how the Phillies attack the Trade Deadline," Zolecki writes.
As things currently stand, the Phillies already have a need for a better fifth starter, with Andrew Painter getting demoted to the minors after a rough start to his big league career.
But if Nola struggles, the Phillies' top need at the trade deadline might be starting pitching. For as good as Cristopher Sanchez, Zack Wheeler, and Jesus Luzardo are, the Phillies aren't getting nearly enough from their other starters.
July is a massive month for the Phillies, not only because they are hosting the 2026 MLB All-Star Game and have a chance to take the NL East lead from the Atlanta Braves, but the Phillies will also figure a lot out about this team's deadline needs this month.
MORE: Aaron Nola’s struggles might force Phillies to trade for a starting pitcher
Right-handed hitting outfield is a clear need, as is another high-leverage reliever (ideally a lefty to pair with right-hander Jhoan Duran).
But, starting pitching, which is already a need due to Painter's struggles, could become a must-add this summer if Nola has a poor July.
He has a 6.04 ERA this season in 17 starts with a 3-5 record and 87 strikeouts. His most recent outing was a rough seven-run loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 4.1 innings.
Nola has had a few decent starts this season, but for the most part, he's been incredibly disappointing. His next start will be on July 5 against the Kansas City Royals.
He desperately needs to pitch well in that game and carry that over for the rest of July. Not only to build up his confidence once more, but to allow Dave Dombrowski to focus on other positions rather than feel a need to add a good starting pitcher at the deadline.
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