As the trade deadline rapidly approaches, key Phillies starters such as Nick Castellanos and intriguing minor league prospects like Mick Abel and Eduardo Tait will be swirling in rumors and trade discussions. Thanks to no-trade clauses and MLB’s 10-and-5 rights, five players won’t be going anywhere at the deadline. Here’s who’s staying put.
Bryce Harper
When Bryce Harper signed with the Phillies back in March of 2019, the 13-year, $330 million deal was the largest contract handed out in MLB history. The former MVP and his agent, Scott Boras, also negotiated for a full no-trade clause, giving him the ability to block a trade to any team. Given his commitment to bringing a championship to Philly and the fact his contract runs through his age-38 season, a Harper trade seems implausible.
Trea Turner
Trea Turner was a massive acquisition in the 2023 offseason, inking an 11-year, $300 million contract. Much like Harper, Turner’s mega-contract also came with a full no-trade clause that gives the shortstop the ability to veto a trade to any club. Turner will be making upwards of $27 million through his age-40 season, making the chances he grants permission to a trade unimaginable.
Zack Wheeler
When Zack Wheeler signed an extension with the club, he didn’t receive a no-trade clause in his contract. Wheeler instead earned his from MLB’s 10-and-5 rights, a rule dating back to 1973 that states a player who has accumulated 10 years of big league service time and five consecutive years with the same team is given a no-trade clause. While the Cy Young contender hit his 10 years of service time mark after the 2023 campaign, he did not earn his 10-and-5 rights until after 2024, the fifth year he spent in South Philly.
J.T. Realmuto
Like Wheeler, Realmuto wasn’t given a no-trade clause in his deal but instead earned his 10-and-5 rights at the end of the 2024 season. A slight difference from Wheeler is that the catcher’s 10 years of service time and fifth consecutive year with the Phillies came in the same season. Realmuto’s deal expires at the end of the season, but if he were to re-up with the club, he would retain his 10-and-5 rights.
Aaron Nola
Nola is the most recent Phillie to earn his 10-and-5 rights. The Phillies right-hander accumulated ten years of service time on June 30, 2025. The rehabbing Nola, who is under contract through 2030, is scheduled to throw living batting practice on Friday, July 25 in New York. If all goes well, he will begin a rehab assignment — and rejoin the Phillies rotation in mid-to-late August.
