To say that this is a huge week for the Phillies is an understatement. The trade deadline is July 31st, and with the Phillies currently a half game out of first place, they desperately need both bullpen and outfield help if they think they can make a legitimate run at the World Series.

Despite the Mets having a dreadful June, the Phillies were unable to separate themselves and build up a lead in the division. Instead, they had struggled with teams that they should have beaten. Now they may be in a dogfight for the rest of the season.

It’s a frustrating situation for a team that has so much talent but is being brought down by some dead weight.

The bottom third of the lineup is horrendous. The team is getting very little production out of left field, where Max Kepler is barely over the Mendoza line. Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas have no power, and even though Marsh has been playing a little better as of late, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to improve CF as well.  It would be tough to replace both positions, but to not replace either would be devastating.

Now to the pitching. The starters, namely Zach Wheeler, Ranger Suarez, and Christopher Sanchez have been absolutely remarkable. After that, it gets sketchy as Jesus Luzardo and Taijuan Walker have been inconsistent. With Aaron Nola set to return in a few weeks, they may look at moving either Walker or Luzardo to the pen, but to me, that does very little to move the needle for a set of relievers that currently rank 21st in the MLB in ERA. That’s not going to get it done when it comes time for playoff baseball.

GM Dave Dombrowski is going to be faced with the tough section to part with some high end prospects if he expects to land a productive player(s) in a trade. Chips like Andrew Painter, Mick Abel, Justin Crawford, or Aiden Miller should all be on the table. Before you roll your eyes, think about this – what is the point of it all? To win a title. The Phillies window is beginning to the close with this core, and if they think they have a shot to finally return the trophy to Philadelphia, Dombrowski may have to give up a potential future for a star now.

It’s not an easy choice, but it’s the right choice.

Current players on the roster should be on the table as well. Parting with Nick Castellanos, Bryson Stott or others that have some years left on a deal is definitely not out of the question and could be enticing for a trade partner.

Players that they are currently linked to are outfielders Luis Robert Jr from the White Sox (whom they’ve have interest in for a years now) , Brent Rooker from the A’s, Jarren Duran from the Red Sox and third basement Eugenio Suarez from the Diamondbacks. For the bullpen, names like Johan Duran and Griffin Jax (Twins), Emmanuel Clase (Guardians) and Felix Bautista (Orioles).

Whatever happens this week, one thing is certain, they cannot sit on their hands and not improve this team. Dombrowski has had a so-so vibe as General Manager during his tenure here.  He’s made some good signings here and there, but has completely whiffed on many of his bullpen additions (and subtractions). He could redeem himself and get back some confidence with the fan base (and the team) by pulling the trigger on some tough decisions, but if he fails to do so, there could be pitchforks making their way down to Citizens Bank Park.

Fingers crossed that he does the right thing.