Phillies Rumors: Crazy Deals For Rumored Big Name Targets
Jul 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Cesar Hernandez (16) throws a runner out at first against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
It’s a fun time to be a Phillies fan. With the team being linked to some big names on the trade market, let’s see if they make sense than make some potential deals.
The Phillies have finally been linked to some major names on the trade market. We’ve seen the Cesar Hernandez rumors, but now that the Phils are being mentioned with some big targets, is it time to things more serious?
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Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe released a list of major trade targets around baseball (credit NJ.coms Joe Giglio for allowing our eyes to see it!). And the Phillies were listed as possible destinations for five very big names.
The players listed (and be prepared) were – Reds 1B Joey Votto, Brewers OF Ryan Braun, Twins 1B Joe Mauer, Tigers SP Justin Verlander, and Pirates OF Andrew McCutchen.
I’m gonna say pretty confidently that the Phils are not in on Votto or Braun. Votto is way too pricey for the Phils at this point in his career, and Braun would command legitimate big league ready talent in return.
That leaves Mauer, Verlander, and McCutchen. All of whom are actual possibilities.
Sep 10, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) hits a RBI single to end the game during the twelfth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Target Field. Minnesota Twins won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Could the Phillies really be interested in Twins great Joe Mauer?
Does it make sense: If the Phillies aren’t sold on Tommy Joseph‘s 2016 rookie campaign, and want a stop-gap player for Rhys Hoskins (current plan B at 1B, teams 12th rated prospect), than yes.
However unhappy dealing Joseph would make fans, the fact that the team is being linked to other everyday first basemen should prepare fans for that unhappiness.
I’m not saying I think, nor want, the team to deal Joseph. But let’s put ourselves in the GM’s shoes for a moment, and really think about this.
If the Twins offered the Phillies Joe Mauer for Tommy Joseph or any prospects than this deal is immediately dead. However, if the Phillies are indeed not sold on Joseph, or are just very sold on Hoskins, than dealing the rookie slugger makes sense, and the club would be wise to sell high on Joseph in this case.
The Phillies have just two (Elniery Garcia and JoJo Romero) left handed pitchers in their top 30 prospects, and neither really have front-line starter potential. This is where things gets more enticing for the Phils, the Twins have six left handed pitchers in their top 30 prospects alone.
So lets not confuse things here. This wouldn’t be the Phillies wanting Joe Mauer, this would be the Twins wanting Tommy Joseph. And the Phillies (if selling high on Joseph) would want a nice return for their young slugger.
Also, Mauer can veto any trade with 10-5 rights. But it’s safe to think he’d so, he’s all but ran his course in Minnesota.
Potential deal: Twins send Joe Mauer and LHP Stephen Gonsalves (Twins third rated prospect) to Phillies for 1B Tommy Joseph.
Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The Phillies probably do want a pitcher like Tigers ace Justin Verlander, but is the price too steep?
Justin Verlander is still an ace. But at his age (turning 34 in Feb.), and with his contract (at least $84 million over 3 seasons), the time is now for the Tigers to trade the star starting pitcher.
With 10-5 rights, like Mauer, Verlander has the right to veto any trade involving his services. At this point in his career, Verlander would more than likely prefer a team in line to win now, but I wouldn’t completely rule out the Phillies.
Of the teams listed in the report, we can rule out the Cubs (not adding the salary), Blue Jays (rotation set), Angels (poor farm, lack of money), Rangers (not adding the salary), Twins (not ready), Pirates (shifting towards rebuilding, not giving up prospects), and Marlins (not in position to give up young players, salary too steep).
That leaves the Red Sox, Yankees, Astros, Braves, Dodgers, and Phillies. I’m going to go out on a limb and say the Yankees are not giving up prospects from their recently revamped farm, and spend money in free agency if they do add talent from outside.
The Dodgers could always swing a splash, but they’ll more than likely be looking a younger, controllable starter (Archer, Gray, Quintana, etc.) – the same goes for the Braves, who’ve already added the two oldest pitchers in the game (Bartolo Colon, R.A Dickey), and are probably looking for a younger starter to build around Julio Teheran and Mike Foltynewicz.
So now that leaves the Red Sox, Astros, and Phillies. All of which have the prospects to give Detroit a fair (if not more than fair) return. But there is one thing that sets the Phillies apart from both teams, money.
While both Boston and Houston can satisfy the Tigers with return value, and could eat a large chunk of Verlanders contract, what they cant do is take on his entire contract.
That’s pretty much the only way the Phillies can get Verlander. Hope Verlander is holding out for the best return for the team that drafted, developed, raised, and paid him – while eating all $84 million over the next three seasons – and giving up young talent as well.
While this would certainly make the Phillies better, and would give them a potential top NL rotation, the timing just might not be right for this particular move. However, we can never say never with starting pitching.
Potential Deal: Tigers send SP Justin Verlander to Phillies for Roman Quinn, Jake Thompson, and cash or a PTBNL.
Sep 27, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) hits a two run single against the Chicago Cubs during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Cubs won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Andrew McCutchen to the Phillies still makes a world of sense (to me).
I’m on record: I want Andrew McCutchen in a Phillies uniform. Check out this article for all the reasons why.
But to keep things simple, if the Phillies can get a former MVP still in his prime, on a very team friendly contract, while not harming the future, sign me up.
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I’ll shake things up from last time however, the Phils still need bullpen help, and could provide the Pirates with an MLB ready pitching prospect for that help along with McCutchen.
Potential Deal: Pirates send Andrew McCutchen and RP Tony Watson to Phillies for Cesar Hernandez, Aaron Altherr, Ricardo Pinto, and Ben Lively.
(Note: Lively and Pinto are more of examples than predictions. Regardless, I’d be willing to give up something of potential significance (not a top ten prospect however) in this scenario)
Oct 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (49) pitches against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Sale (pictured), is the top player on the trade market. It’s only a matter of time before we hear the Phillies linked to him, right? Guess again.
While this sorta news is always exciting, don’t expect the Phillies to be in the market for the top players on the market (Chris Sale for example). It’s simply not the time to trade multiple top ten prospects for that kind of talent.
However, the veterans listed above all fit the bill for the Phillies plan. Verlander is a rotation stabilizer and true ace who wouldn’t cost the farm. Mauer and McCutchen are both former MVP’s, only under contract for two more seasons, who provide a veteran presence in the lineup while not blocking any prospects.
Expect the Phillies to be “interested” in many big name veterans like those listed above. Whether it’s increasing the market for their own players or actual interest, stay tuned.
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