After seeing the Atlanta Braves lose Dansby Swanson, the Philadelphia Phillies have a chance to make a trade to catch them.
The Atlanta Braves lost free shortstop Dansby Swanson to the Chicago Cubs. For the Philadelphia Phillies, this could be a chance to make up some ground.
Whether you think Swanson is worth the money the Cubs gave him or not is a whole different debate. Vaughn Grissom has a chance to be a suitable replacement for Atlanta at shortstop. Meanwhile, the Phillies should be feeling pretty good about their situation at the position already. They aggressively went out and signed Trea Turner. The Braves have been relatively silent for a division winner.
Free agency will offer the Phillies a couple of different options to improve the roster. So will trades. Who can Dave Dombrowski look to acquire from another ball club in hopes of catching the Braves?
1) The dream Phillies trade target is Rafael Devers
Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers looks destined to hit the free agent market next offseason. The Red Sox and Devers haven’t come to an agreement on an extension. Nothing appears close to happening either. Philadelphia could use Devers for a couple of reason.
Devers is a true third baseman, while Alec Bohm’s future is likely as a first baseman/DH. Devers might not be an elite defender, however, he is unquestionably better with a glove than Bohm who might be one of the worst at his position in the league.
Acquiring Devers would be an absolute dream for the Phillies. The trade would undoubtedly include Bohm and at least one of their top three pitching prospects, Andrew Painter, Mick Abel, or Griff McGarry.
Trading away Devers would be a curious move for the Red Sox at the moment after they just signed Justin Turner. Their plan seems to focus on building a contender without superstar additions. A good guess is that they hold onto Devers. If the Phillies can’t get him now, expect him to be a more viable candidate at next year’s trade deadline. Striking now may best as to avoid a future bidding war with the New York Mets.
2) Phillies trade candidate Max Kepler is more reasonable and good Bryce Harper insurance
The Phillies will be without Bryce Harper for a couple of months to start the 2023 season. How do they replace him in the lineup while he’s out?
A trade for Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler could answer the question. A good defender in right field and someone who has played center field as well, he seems almost too perfect for the Phillies.
Kepler hits left-handed and has shown an ability to hit for some power. His career slash line of .232/.317/.427 is on-par with many other members of the Phillies roster. It’s his success on defense which can have him standing out.
With Kepler on the roster, the Phillies can open the season with him as the starting right fielder. Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber can get the bulk of the at-bats as the DH. When Harper does return, Kepler becomes more of a part-time player. There will always be opportunities for him to get into games as either a defensive replacement or pinch-hitter. If Castellanos has another rough year at the plate again, look for him to steal some at-bats, too.
Kepler will not cost the Phillies a whole lot. A pair of near-MLB-ready prospects could be enough to satisfy the Twins. They’re not a club looking to sell Kepler for the sake of shedding salary. They want something good back in return.
3) Phillies trade candidate Gregory Soto gives them another late-inning option
One area the Phillies need to consider upgrading in a major way before the season begins is the bullpen. Detroit Tigers closer Gregory Soto could be the guy to go out and get. He has been an All-Star in two consecutive seasons. Coming off an interesting season of going 2-11 but having a 3.28 ERA, could landing with a contender help Soto reach a new level?
The Tigers already traded Joe Jimenez to the Braves. Soto would likely cost more. Still a bit wild but not yet 28-years-old, he’s someone the Phillies could add and hope becomes a very good late-inning option for them. He can give them some Seranthony Dominguez insurance in case their own young closer isn’t effective in the role.
In the Braves trade for Jimenez, the Tigers did acquire their now-seventh ranked prospect, Justyn-Henry Malloy. They received another player as well. This could mean the headliner in a deal for Soto is someone as good as Johan Rojas or Erik Miller. Many fans would probably prefer to see two lesser prospects get dealt to Detroit. Soto does have some questions but the upside is impressive.
The Phillies did manage to get past the Braves in the postseason when they faced off. In the first 162 games, they weren’t all that close.
Right now, with the loss of Swanson fresh in their minds, now would be a good time to pounce. Throw your best offer at the Red Sox for Devers. If they don’t budge, go out and acquire some finishing touches on an already playoff-ready roster.