This season didn’t go according to plan for the Philadelphia Phillies. Boasting the fourth-highest payroll in MLB, the franchise’s fourth straight season in the top five in highest payroll, the Phillies again fell short of its World Series goal.

Philadelphia is expected to bolster its roster aggressively, eager to capitalize on the championship window that All-Stars Bryce Harper, Zack Wheeler and Trea Turner provide.

The team has already been linked to marquee free agent Juan Soto, who could command a $500 million contract this winter. With seven contracts with an annual value of $20+ million already on the books, the Phillies are no strangers to spending big. However, it may improve its roster via the trade market.

Here are three difference-makers that would make the Phillies instant World Series favorites: 

Garrett Crochet (LHP, Chicago White Sox) 

The 25-year-old Crochet emerged as a premier pitcher for the lowly White Sox last season. In his first full season back from Tommy John surgery, the southpaw notched a 3.58 ERA and 204 strikeouts. The calling card for the No.11 pick in the 2020 MLB Draft was his fastball, which carried an impressive 97.2 MPH average, the fourth highest among lefties.   

With two years remaining on his contract, Crochet is an ace-caliber pitcher paid like a middle reliever, making him an affordable option that fits any team’s contention window. Should the Phillies acquire him, Crochet would bolster a rotation that already includes Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Cristopher Sanchez. With Crochet, Philadelphia would have arguably the most formidable staff in the majors. 

Jesús Luzardo (LHP, Miami Marlins) 

Luzardo is another budding southpaw the Phillies could target in a trade. The 27-year-old is an electric pitcher with a penchant for striking out batters when on the field. Luzardo averages just under 10 strikeouts per nine innings through six years in the league. 

Unfortunately, the Peruvian pitcher has had difficulty obtaining a clean bill of health. Early in 2024, Luzardo spent time on the injured list with elbow tightness but returned and looked healthy until he suffered a stress reaction in his lower back that proved to be season-ending. He also missed considerable time with a forearm strain in 2022, a broken hand in 2021 and Tommy John surgery as a prospect. 

Perhaps the Marlins will wait until he's healthy again and boost his trade value before dealing him. Given Luzardo’s extensive injury history, the Phillies likely wouldn’t have to pay a premium to acquire him.  

Nolan Arenado (3B, St. Louis Cardinals) 

After having an MVP-caliber 2022 season, Arenado’s offensive numbers have slightly tapered off. The eight-time All-Star has produced slightly better-than-average numbers (.269/.320/.426) over the last two seasons. Even at 33, Arenado is a potent threat at the plate that could do damage for a playoff team.  

The 10-time Gold Glove winner is still a premium defender at the hot corner. According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Phillies have already begun shopping third baseman Alec Bohm. Desiring an upgrade in the corner infield, Philadelphia could kick the tires on an Arenado trade.  

Arenado would add another proven bat to a Phillies lineup that desperately needed one in the postseason. Additionally, Turner, Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto are already familiar with Arenado from their time together on Team USA during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.  

Arenado’s contract is no small expense but could be a worthy investment for a team built to win now.  

Honorable Mention: Mike Trout (OF, Angels) 

Acquiring Trout is an unlikely outcome for the Phillies this offseason. After all, the Angels outfielder is owed a staggering $35M this season and has struggled mightily with injuries recently. Since 2020, Trout has played in just 290 games as various ailments have hindered the three-time AL MVP.  

Despite his injury concerns, Trout is an intriguing trade candidate for Philadelphia and virtually every contender. The 11-time All-Star is one of the best pure hitters in baseball history and could wreak havoc in the Phillies' stacked lineup.

As the Angels fade into obscurity, the likelihood of them finally trading their franchise player grows. Following their ninth consecutive losing season, it may behoove the Angels to trade Trout and rebuild.  

Should the team opt for a fire sale, Philadelphia shouldn’t hesitate to gauge the price on Trout.