The Phillies still need a right-handed bat. Let’s take an early dive into some options before the trade deadline.

The trade deadline is six weeks away — Aug. 3 at 6 p.m., if you want to set a calendar reminder. It’s a long way from here to there. The market hasn’t taken shape and likely won’t for a while.

Entering the weekend, 12 National League teams and 11 in the American League were no more than three games out of a playoff spot. Some are more realistic contenders than others; none is ready to wave the white flag.

The deadline represents a chance for the Phillies to take a bigger swing. And the perception within the sport, based on conversations with league sources, is that they are prioritizing a right-handed hitter for the top half of the order to offset lefty-swinging Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Brandon Marsh.

Let’s take a still-too-early dive into a few players who may be available before the deadline.

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