MLB rumors: 5 trade destinations for Astros shortstop Carlos Correa
By Mark Powell
3. Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are in the midst of a critical offseason, as they need to choose a clear direction. Do they pay the steep price to bring back catcher JT Realmuto? Philadelphia paid a steep price for his services, which included a prospect package of Sixto Sanchez and others.
Assuming they do bring back Realmuto — meaning they’re all-in in building a World Series contender around Bryce Harper — Correa could be a trade candidate. The Phillies infield is still developing, with Alec Bohm and Jean Segura the main contributors of the group. Unfortunately for Philly, trade talks for Correa might start with Bohm, as the Phillies farm system doesn’t rank near the top of MLB.
Former first-round pick Mick Abel could be an intriguing fit to avoid adding in some of their more MLB-ready prospects. Abel is just 19 years old and already the Phillies No. 3 overall prospect. He’s ascending quickly into a potential top of the rotation right-handed starter, and Houston knows how to develop pitchers. Any deal for Correa would take some convincing from the Phillies’, but if the Astros don’t have the suitors they expect for him, perhaps Philadelphia could enter the fray.