Fansided

MLB Trade Deadline: 5 trades the Philadelphia Phillies should make

By Brad Weiss

Jul 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Pete Mackanin (45) looks on in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Rockies defeated the Phillies 8-3. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Pete Mackanin (45) looks on in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Rockies defeated the Phillies 8-3. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Jun 29, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Andres Blanco hits a two run single in the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. The Phillies defeated the Diamondbacks 9-8 in 10 innings. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 29, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Andres Blanco hits a two run single in the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. The Phillies defeated the Diamondbacks 9-8 in 10 innings. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Andres Blanco to the Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals are once again toward the top of the National League East, and they are a piece or two away from having a World Series-caliber roster. One place they are thin is up the middle, as they let veteran shortstop Ian Desmond go this off-season.

Danny Espinosa and Danny Murphy are entrenched as starters, but the only real depth they have is Stephen Drew. A player like Andres Blanco can play all three positions in the infield, and has even shown the ability to play the outfield at times. He is the quintessential utility guy a team needs to make a deep run in the playoffs.

The 32-year-old Blanco is a great guy to have off the bench, and keeps himself ready at all times. In limited action this season, he is batting .261, and has three home runs. He would be a nice complement to Drew’s power stroke off the bench.

The Nationals have a wealth of prospects, and one that could help the Phillies is A.J. Cole. Cole is a 24-year-old right-handed pitcher currently playing for the Nats’ AAA affiliate, and appears to be ready for the big time. He has made 17 starts for the Syracuse Chiefs, going 6-5, and has an earned run average of 4.84. He has a 3.68 ERA for his career.

Next: 2. Tommy Joseph to the Miami Marlins

Home/MLB