MLB Trade Deadline: 5 trades the Philadelphia Phillies should make
By Brad Weiss
4. Andrew Bailey to the Chicago Cubs
There was a time when Andrew Bailey was one of the best young relief pitchers in baseball. Armed with a blazing fastball, the right-hander won the 2009 Rookie of the Year award and seemed destined to be one of the game’s elite closers.
Then came the injuries, and with that, his reputation of being a guy who is always on the disabled list. Bailey missed all of the 2014 season after tearing both his labrum and capsule in his shoulder. He appeared in ten games with the New York Yankees in 2015, and has been a stalwart in the Phillies bullpen this season.
He could still prove to be a solid contributor for a contender, and the Chicago Cubs could find a spot for him in their bullpen. He may not be an elite closer, or even a set-up man anymore, but he has taken the ball in pressure situations, and could help manager Joe Maddon in Chicago.
Bailey just came off the disabled list on Friday, so it might be the perfect time for the Phillies to move him. They might be able to pick up a small piece from the Cubs, who seem to have a stockpile of good prospects in their farm system.
One intriguing piece would be Pierce Johnson, a 25-year-old right-handed pitcher currently pitching for the Cubs’ AAA affiliate. Johnson has struggled this year, but he is a solid prospect, and could flourish with a change of scenery.
Next: 3. Andres Blanco to the Washington Nationals