After a promising and unexpectedly good start, the idea of the Philadelphia Phillies as a potential playoff contender has expired. Nine straight losses have dropped their record to 30-43, and the Phillies are clearly sellers heading into the next month or so before the non-waiver trade deadline.
With a renewed eye toward the future, the Phillies should look to trade these five players.
![5 Players The Philadelphia Phillies Should Trade Before 2016 Deadline](/mlb/files/2016/06/Ryan-Howard-Getty-Images-320x180.jpg)
5. 1B Ryan Howard
![1B Ryan Howard](/mlb/files/2016/05/450608148-e1464114070864.jpg)
5. 1B Ryan Howard
Howard's value is limited by age (36) and a .143 batting average this year, but he does have 10 home runs over 175 at-bats. American League teams could have interest in Howard as a DH if Philadelphia is willing to eat some of the money he's due.
4. C Carlos Ruiz
![C Carlos Ruiz](/mlb/files/2016/06/Carlos-Ruiz-Getty-Images.jpg)
4. C Carlos Ruiz
Ruiz started 2016 well, with a .341 batting average through May 2. But he has been a strict backup to Cameron Rupp, and his contract ($500,000 buyout for 2017) looks palatable for any contending team in search of a veteran catcher.
3. RP David Hernandez
![RP David Hernandez](/mlb/files/2016/06/David-Hernandez-Getty-Images.jpg)
3. RP David Hernandez
Nine earned runs allowed over his last four appearances has pushed Hernandez's ERA up to 4.41, but he still has a 45:14 K/BB ratio over 34.2 innings this season. Bullpen arms draw trade interest, and Hernandez is a solid chip for the Phillies.
2. SP Jeremy Hellickson
![SP Jeremy Hellickson](/mlb/files/2016/06/Jeremy-Hellickson-Getty-Images.jpg)
2. SP Jeremy Hellickson
Hellickson has a solid 4.41 ERA over 15 starts (87.2 innings) this year, and based on that they may be hesitant to move him. But the market for starters could be thin, so the Phillies may get a better than expected return in a trade for Hellickson.
1. RP Jeanmar Gomez
![RP Jeanmar Gomez](/mlb/files/2016/06/Jeanmar-Gomez-Getty-Images.jpg)
1. RP Jeanmar Gomez
Gomez has 19 saves and a 3.00 ERA this year, but he has just three saves over the past month and just six appearances in June thus far as the Phillies have fallen down the standings. Now is the time to deal Gomez and get good value.
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