Philadelphia Phillies May Face Tough Trade Decision with Nola

The Philadelphia Phillies could be buyers or they could be sellers at the trade deadline later this season.

But one general manager had a question for ESPN about one particular Phillies player:

“Do you think they move Nola?”

Nola, in this case, is Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola, who is 4-4 this season with a 4.70 ERA. But, the 29-year-old has been a mainstay of the Phillies’ rotation since he was called up in 2015 and is 82-66 for his career with a 3.67 ERA.

ESPN postulated that if the Phillies are unable to get back into contention in the National League East that Nola’s impending free agency may play a factor in what the Phillies decide to do.

Per ESPN:

If the Phillies continue to struggle, would they hold on to Nola only to see him potentially walk in free agency and get a nothing draft pick in return? The sides talked about a contract extension during spring training and didn't come close. And because the Phillies are over the luxury-tax threshold, if Nola leaves, their only compensation will be a pick after the fourth round.

Nola may be looking to test the market. He was recently named the No. 3 overall free agent next offseason by The Athletic. Nola is the third-highest ranked pitcher on the list behind Ohtani and Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Julio Urías.

He is making $16 million this season.