Quick Trades to Fix Weaknesses of Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies could soon see their offseason plan begin to take shape, as Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times writes that free agent B.J. Upton would like to make a decision on where he will sign this week.

The Phillies have their share of weaknesses to improve this offseason, such as the outfield, third base and the bullpen, but they are not the only team looking to fix these areas.

If the team misses out on Upton, it will have to compete with a number of teams for fewer available outfielders.  If the team is able to sign one of this offseason’s top free agents, it could look to find quick, low-cost fixes that improve the roster in other areas while not causing the payroll to skyrocket.

Once a larger number of free agents begin signing, the Phillies will need to have their contingency plans in place and ready to go, and some options could include making quick trades before the market thins.

None of these players would be considered flashy acquisitions, but combined with a few expensive free-agent signings, these trades could be the best options for filling the remaining needs.

Here are five players that the Phillies could target in quick trades that would fix the team’s weaknesses heading into next season.

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