MLB Philadelphia Phillies

5 Players the Philadelphia Phillies Should Still Be Looking To Trade

5 Players the Philadelphia Phillies Should Still Be Looking To Trade

Philadelphia Phillies
David Manning- USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Phillies have finally accepted that they need to go into rebuilding mode, and that makes almost every player on their roster a trade candidate. The Phillies will need to work on getting younger, and they will likely do so by dealing some of their established big leaguers. With that in mind, here are five players who the Phillies should still be looking to trade this offseason.

5. Domonic Brown

Domonic Brown Philadelphia Phillies
Bill Streicher- USA TODAY Sports

5. Domonic Brown

Domonic Brown Philadelphia Phillies
Bill Streicher- USA TODAY Sports

Domonic Brown followed up a 27 home run campaign in 2013 with just 10 homers and a .634 OPS in 2014. Other than his 2013 season, Brown has had underwhelming results, and it is likely that season was a fluke. However, a team might be willing to fork over something of value in a trade in hopes that Brown can hit some untapped potential. If the Phillies can get anything in return, dealing Brown would be a smart move.

4. Carlos Ruiz

Carlos Ruiz Philadelphia Phillies
Robert Stanton- USA TODAY Sports

4. Carlos Ruiz

Carlos Ruiz Philadelphia Phillies
Robert Stanton- USA TODAY Sports

Carlos Ruiz has done a good job as the Phillies' catcher ever since taking over a regular job in 2007, and he should be able to bring back a decent return of young prospects given the lack of good catchers around baseball. He represents a clear opportunity for the team to get younger, and the team would also be able to save the million remaining on his deal.

3. Jonathan Papelbon

Jonathan Papelbon Philadelphia Phillies
Steve Mitchell- USA TODAY Sports

3. Jonathan Papelbon

Jonathan Papelbon Philadelphia Phillies
Steve Mitchell- USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Papelbon has remained one of the better relievers in baseball since signing with the Phillies, posting a 2.48 ERA and notching 106 saves in the last three seasons. However, a high-priced reliever is basically valueless to a non-contending team, and Papelbon is no different with the Phillies. Dealing him would save the Phillies million in 2015 alone, and if they eat a little money, they might get a solid piece in return.

2. Ryan Howard

Ryan Howard Philadelphia Phillies
Brad Mills- USA TODAY Sports

2. Ryan Howard

Ryan Howard Philadelphia Phillies
Brad Mills- USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Howard is clearly no longer the player he once was, and the million remaining on his contract is basically a sunk cost. If they deal him and eat all or most of that money, they might be able to get a piece of value in return. They could also trade him for little return and eat less money in order to get financial savings. Either way, the Phillies are better off dealing Howard.

1. Cole Hamels

Cole Hamels Philadelphia Phillies
Steve Mitchell- USA TODAY Sports

1. Cole Hamels

Cole Hamels Philadelphia Phillies
Steve Mitchell- USA TODAY Sports

Cole Hamels was one of the better pitchers in baseball in 2014, throwing to a 2.46 ERA, and as such, he represents a way for the Phillies to bring in a huge haul of prospects. Plus, the team could use the savings from the 0 million remaining on his contract to sign another ace in the future. Dealing Hamels could significantly speed up their rebuilding process, and it is something they need to seriously consider.

Drew Jenkins is an MLB writer and Sabermetrics Columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DrewJenkins77, “Like” him on Facebook, add him to your network on Google, or contact him at [email protected]

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