5 Hypothetical Trades the Philadelphia Phillies Could Make at the Deadline

5 Hypothetical Trades the Philadelphia Phillies Could Make at the Deadline

By Mike Gibson

July 16, 2015

5 Hypothetical Trades the Philadelphia Phillies Could Make at the Deadline

Philadelphia Phillies, Citizens Bank Park, — While the current disjointed organizational structure of the Philadelphia Phillies could make potential trades problematic, there can be no doubt that the team has some pieces other teams covet, including a top-of-the-line starter in Cole Hamels and a premier closer in Jonathan Papelbon. In two weeks, these five trades could take place.

While the current disjointed organizational structure of the Philadelphia Phillies could make potential trades problematic, there can be no doubt that the team has some pieces other teams covet, including a top-of-the-line starter in Cole Hamels and a premier closer in Jonathan Papelbon. In two weeks, these five trades could take place.

5. Ryan Howard to Toronto Blue Jays

Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies,

5. Ryan Howard to Toronto Blue Jays

Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies, — The Phillies would have to pay a significant portion of the $ 25 million they owe Howard both this season and next to get even a mid-level prospect for Howard, but it is a price they must pay in order to give Darin Ruf the long-term look at first that he deserves. Owner John Middleton appears committed to pay that price, and the Phils could get right-handed pitcher Jeff Hoffman, currently in Single-A, back for Howard.

The Phillies would have to pay a significant portion of the $ 25 million they owe Howard both this season and next to get even a mid-level prospect for Howard, but it is a price they must pay in order to give Darin Ruf the long-term look at first that he deserves. Owner John Middleton appears committed to pay that price, and the Phils could get right-handed pitcher Jeff Hoffman, currently in Single-A, back for Howard.

4. Jonathan Papelbon to Detroit Tigers

Jonathan Papelbon, Philadelphia Phillies,

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4. Jonathan Papelbon to Detroit Tigers

Jonathan Papelbon, Philadelphia Phillies, — Ever since Joe Nathan went down early in the season and had to undergo Tommy John surgery, the Tigers have tried mixing and matching with the closer role with little success. Papelbon would give them some stability at the back end of the bullpen, and the Tigers could give the Phillies low-level second baseman Javier Betancourt in return.

Ever since Joe Nathan went down early in the season and had to undergo Tommy John surgery, the Tigers have tried mixing and matching with the closer role with little success. Papelbon would give them some stability at the back end of the bullpen, and the Tigers could give the Phillies low-level second baseman Javier Betancourt in return.

3. Carlos Ruiz to Texas Rangers

Carlos Ruiz, Philadelphia Phillies,

3. Carlos Ruiz to Texas Rangers

Carlos Ruiz, Philadelphia Phillies, — The Rangers are one of the teams near the .500 mark despite scarce production from the catching position. While Ruiz is not having a great year, he is a proven hitter and a terrific defensive catcher who would immediately be seen as an upgrade. For him, the Phillies would accept current Double-A catcher Jorge Alfaro, who is hitting .253.

The Rangers are one of the teams near the .500 mark despite scarce production from the catching position. While Ruiz is not having a great year, he is a proven hitter and a terrific defensive catcher who would immediately be seen as an upgrade. For him, the Phillies would accept current Double-A catcher Jorge Alfaro, who is hitting .253.

2. Ben Revere to Pirates

Ben Revere, Philadelphia Phillies,

2. Ben Revere to Pirates

Ben Revere, Philadelphia Phillies, — The Pirates need a table-setter at the top of the lineup, and the Phillies need a future option at closer once they get rid of Jonathan Papelbon and an alternative to Ken Giles should the latter not pan out. The Pirates have one Single-A pitcher with closing stuff the Phils would be interested in, Mitch Keller, and getting him for Revere would be a fair return.

The Pirates need a table-setter at the top of the lineup, and the Phillies need a future option at closer once they get rid of Jonathan Papelbon and an alternative to Ken Giles should the latter not pan out. The Pirates have one Single-A pitcher with closing stuff the Phils would be interested in, Mitch Keller, and getting him for Revere would be a fair return.

1. Cole Hamels to New York Yankees

Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies,

1. Cole Hamels to New York Yankees

Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies, — The Yankees need some rotation help and Hamels would immediately add that. The Phils have been after top prospects for him, like third baseman Joey Gallo of the Texas Rangers or catcher Blake Swihart of the Boston Red Sox, but have come down and would accept a package from the Yankees that includes pitcher Luis Severino and outfielder Aaron Judge. Severino is 5-0 with a 1.79 ERA at Triple-A Scranton; Judge is hitting .268 for the same team.

The Yankees need some rotation help and Hamels would immediately add that. The Phils have been after top prospects for him, like third baseman Joey Gallo of the Texas Rangers or catcher Blake Swihart of the Boston Red Sox, but have come down and would accept a package from the Yankees that includes pitcher Luis Severino and outfielder Aaron Judge. Severino is 5-0 with a 1.79 ERA at Triple-A Scranton; Judge is hitting .268 for the same team.

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Philadelphia Phillies

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