MLB Insider Expects Phillies' Dave Dombrowski to Make a Massive Trade Ahead of Deadline

MLB Insider Expects Phillies' Dave Dombrowski to Make a Massive Trade Ahead of Deadline originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has a lot of attention at this time of year. With less than two weeks until the MLB trade deadline, a lot of rumors will begin propping up.

During a segment of Foul Territory, MLB insider Jayson Stark revealed that he thinks the Phillies, under Dombrowski's leadership, will look ot make a big move at this year's trade deadline.

"He's got his prospect chips ready to go."@JaysonSt says he's heard from someone that Dave Dombrowski might be geared up to do something big at the trade deadline. 👀 pic.twitter.com/BD5glJckaT

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) July 18, 2025

"I ran into a guy in Atlanta who has talked to Dave (Dombrowski)," Stark said, "And he said he thinks Dave is geared up to do something huge. He's got his prospect chips ready to go."

This update from Stark is one Phillies fans have been waiting for. Dombrowski has a reputation for shipping off prospects to go "all-in," yet he hasn't done so in Philadelphia yet.

But if Stark's report comes true, the Phillies will be making huge moves at the trade deadline. There are two areas the Phillies and Dombrowski could address. The outfield and the bullpen.

Jordan Romano and Joe Ross have been major disappointments, while Jose Alvarado is suspended for the postseason. Max Kepler has also struggled this season and sparked drama over complaints about playing time.

Replacing both Kepler and Romano would be a great outcome for the Phillies at the deadline. And while it'd cost a lot, Starks' comments point towards Dombrowski being ready to spend his prospects in a major way.

There are plenty of ideal trade targets, like the Cleveland Guardians' Steven Kwan, Emmanuel Clase, and the Minnesota Twins' Jhoan Duran and Byron Buxton. But, while they'd be the ideal pickups, none are likely to be moved.

However, if they were to become available, Dombrowski and the Phillies would likely be heavily involved in their trade markets. With his prospects ready to be traded, Dombrowski is waiting for the right player(s) to come across his desk.

If Stark's comments come true, and Dombrowski does make a huge move at the deadline, the Phillies could be looking at a very entertaining trade deadline.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared.