3 more moves Phillies should make after Gregory Soto trade
By Tim Boyle
2) The Phillies need to trade for Max Kepler more than ever
In the absence of Bryce Harper, there may not be a better player to fill the gap than Max Kepler. Convincing a free agent to sign with the team knowing he’ll ride the bench a little more often when Harper does return will be difficult. A trade, on the other hand, can take the choice away from a player.
Kepler has been one of the more talked about trade pieces this offseason. The Minnesota Twins outfielder. He has been an unspectacular player for the last three seasons but a consistent defender with power.
Kepler has hit below .230 for three straight seasons and found himself playing less for the Twins. He bats left-handed and has averaged 25 home runs per 162 games in his career.
As a fourth outfielder and a more regular player during Harper’s absence, Kepler will allow the team to use Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber at the DH spot much more. When Harper returns, Kepler goes to the bench where he can still see consistent playing time as a late-game defensive replacement and occasional pinch-hitter.
The Soto trade took Nick Maton and Matt Vierling out of the organization which has left the club with some holes to fill on the bench. Kepler would be the replacement for Vierling. One free agent target can help the Phillies make up for the loss of Maton.