Fansided

10 best prospects moved at the MLB Trade Deadline

By Nathaniel Reeves

Aug 2, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Daniel Norris (44) pitches during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 2, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Daniel Norris (44) pitches during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 17, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp (29) and relief pitcher Jeanmar Gomez (46) celebrate a win against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp (29) and relief pitcher Jeanmar Gomez (46) celebrate a win against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Jake Thompson, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies

Rounding out Philadelphia’s haul is Thompson, who was acquired by Texas in the Joakim Soria trade last season. While Thompson doesn’t have the ceiling of Philadelphia’s other prospects in the deal, his high floor makes him a valuable enough piece.

Thompson fell to the second round in 2012 without recognition on prospect lists, but showed continual improvement until the end of 2013. The 6-4, 235 pound 21-year-old advanced quickly due to strikeout rates in the mid-20s at every level and an ability to keep the ball in the park.

Texas sent Thompson to Double-A after the trade deadline, where he posted a 3.28 ERA and 3.34 FIP in 35.2 innings per FanGraphs. The most encouraging sign was a spike in strikeouts, as Thompson recorded a career-best rate of 29.7 percent. Thompson has slipped this season to a 4.72 ERA (3.82 FIP) at the same level, somewhat limiting his rise on prospect lists.

The big thing for Thompson has been an increase in velocity, as he can hit 96 in relief after sitting in the low-90s before being drafted. Thompson also has a plus slider, but may need that third pitch to take the next step.

That has led many to believe that Thompson might be a reliever by the time he reaches the majors, likely next year. Whether Thompson becomes a back-end starter or closer, the Phillies can live with him as the third piece in the Hamels deal.

Next: Jose Peraza, 2B, Los Angeles Dodgers

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