Phillies Expect To Cut Struggling Slugger At Trade Deadline, ‘Hasn’t Been As Good’
The Philadelphia Phillies face mounting pressure at the MLB trade deadline due to a stalled offense and recent series losses. Star slugger Bryce Harper publicly stated the team "needs some help," especially with consistent production lacking from right field. Interim manager Don Mattingly confirmed rookie Gabriel Rincones Jr. has struggled despite extended playing time, leading to Bryan De La Cruz taking over regular duties in right field. Mattingly's comments, coupled with reports, indicate Rincones Jr. will likely be cut from the major league roster as the deadline approaches, particularly if the Phillies acquire an external outfielder to address their offensive woes and postseason aspirations.
The Philadelphia Phillies are in the final days before the MLB trade deadline searching for answers to an offense that has stalled at an inopportune time. After another frustrating series loss, pressure continues to mount on the front office to find upgrades capable of jump-starting a lineup with postseason aspirations.
Franchise slugger Bryce Harper recently made it clear that he believes reinforcements are necessary, and the numbers back him up. Philadelphia has struggled to generate consistent production from right field, making it one of the club's most glaring weaknesses as deadline decisions approach.
The Phillies appear ready to move on from rookie outfielder Gabriel Rincones Jr., who has struggled to seize an everyday opportunity despite receiving extended playing time against right-handed pitching.
On Tuesday, interim manager Don Mattingly acknowledged the club's growing concern over Rincones while explaining why Bryan De La Cruz has begun taking over regular duties in right field.
“Rico’s been given a decent runway against right-handed pitching,” Mattingly said, Matt Gelb" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7476769/2026/07/29/phillies-trade-help-brandon-marsh-slump/?eafs_enabled=false" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">according to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb. “Hasn’t been as good as we’d like. De La Cruz, he’s getting his hits. And I know he’s going to be solid in the outfield and all that. So I don’t feel like it’s going to be worse than what we’re seeing.”
Gelb added that Mattingly’s comments were an indication that the team expects to cut Rincones from the major-league roster as the trade deadline approaches.
“They are onto a new everyday player there, De La Cruz, who started Tuesday against a righty for the first time,” Gelb added. “He was the only one in the lineup with two hits. He has supplanted rookie Gabriel Rincones Jr., who probably won’t be in the majors after the trade deadline. Mattingly said as much before Tuesday’s game.”
The Phillies' offensive struggles have become impossible to ignore, particularly with the trade deadline just days away.
Harper, who is mired in an extended slump, offered a direct assessment of where the club stands.
“With the Philadelphia Phillies dropping their fourth straight series since the All-Star break, Bryce Harper was blunt when asked if the team needs reinforcements as the Monday trade deadline approaches,” ESPN reported. “‘I think we need some help,’ Harper said Tuesday night after the Phillies lost 1-0 to the Marlins, their eighth defeat in 11 games since the break. They have scored one run or fewer in six of those 11 games.”
If Philadelphia acquires another outfielder before the deadline — as many around baseball expect — the roster squeeze could leave Rincones without a place on the major league club. Mattingly's comments suggest that process may already be underway, with De La Cruz earning more opportunities while the Phillies evaluate external additions.