Here come the Phillies.

Well, in a sense. As spring training begins, the story lines and players to watch are fascinating as the franchise attempts to go from rebuilding to contending soon.

While it's easy to simply paint the 2017 season as another rebuilding year for building blocks to emerge, the team has to be ready for anything--including opportunity to knock.

On Monday, team president Andy MacPhail addressed reporters in Clearwater, Florida about the team, timeline to win and willingness to spend when the time is right. He sounded like an executive ready to pounce if a potential star became available in a trade this summer.

"We know that as teams fall out of contention, they are going to be looking at opportunities to get the maximum amount for their playing talent and often that comes as a result of a trade maybe a year or two prior to free agency," MacPhail said, per CSN Philly. "Our goal is to be ready for that eventuality, identify those teams that might find themselves in that situation and be ready to move if the opportunity presents itself."

The Phillies as buyer (and sellers) at the same time? It could happen. Here's are four players that could be in Phillies trade rumors this summer.

Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates: A divorce between the Pirates and the face of the franchise seems inevitable. After a winter of trade rumors, McCutchen is back in Pirates camp and moved to right field. The Phillies, listed as a possible McCutchen suitor in the offseason, could make a play for the veteran that's reportedly still very available.

The 2013 NL MVP is coming off a tough year (.766 OPS), but is only 30 years old. Since debuting in 2009, here's where McCutchen ranks among all MLB outfielders.

On-base percentage: 4th

Slugging percentage: 10th

WAR: 4th

McCutchen is a free agent after 2018, fitting in with the description MacPhail gave of potential targets.

Phils spring training predictions

Jose Quintana, SP, White Sox: Rumors connected the Phillies to Quintana before the start of spring training. While the White Sox ace feels like a fit for a contender at this year's deadline, the Phillies could make a play to secure an ace for the future.

Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Diamondbacks: Not a free agent until after 2019 (if a reasonable team-friendly option is picked up), but Goldschmidt represents Arizona's best chance at a haul to rebuild. With a new front office in tow, anything could be on the table.

Goldschmidt, 29, could be baseball's most underrated star. Since becoming a full-time player in 2012, Goldschmidt (.302/.402/.528) is one of only four hitters in baseball with a .300/.400/.500 slash line.

The others? Miguel Cabrera, Joey Votto and Mike Trout.

Mike Trout, Angels: You knew this name was coming. While it's hard to believe the Angels would deal Trout as early as July 2017, it's time for the Phillies to start focusing on the chance of it happening down the line. With a farm system rich in talent, Philadelphia has the goods to at least be in the conversation--if and when the Angels are ready to engage.

A blockbuster for Trout is probably more likely next offseason or in the summer of 2018. Until then, Philadelphia sports fans can think big.

Mike Trout is going to play in Philadelphia. It's inevitable. pic.twitter.com/TCWdEthpJ8

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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