Former Atlanta Braves top prospect traded to the enemy

Former Atlanta Braves top prospect Cristian Pache, who was playing for the Athletics, was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday afternoon.

The Oakland Athletics did not guarantee a roster spot for Cristian Pache, who was acquired in the Matt Olson trade with the Atlanta Braves. That decision signaled that a trade was looming, or else they risked losing Pache altogether via waivers.

While he hasn’t worked out offensively so far, Pache is a former top-100 prospect in all of baseball. He was the centerpiece of trade rumors for years, and was finally dealt along with Shea Langeliers for the Braves Freddie Freeman replacement.

Pache has struggled mightily from the plate so far in an MLB uniform, frequently hitting under the Mendoza line. His defensive ability in the outfield makes him an asset as a bench asset, which is likely how Philadelphia will employ him.

Former Braves prospect Cristian Pache is now on the Phillies

Cristian Pache did show some potential at the plate this spring, hitting over .300. Nonetheless, until he proves he can bring the same level of play to games that count, it’s unclear exactly what his major-league future is.

Pache is a good fit in Philadelphia, as MLB Trade Rumors suggests in their write-up of the move:

"“Pache is a particularly logical fit for the Phils, given that he can provide a late-game defensive upgrade over either Kyle Schwarber or Nick Castellanos (either by playing a corner himself or by stepping into center and pushing Marsh to a corner).”"

He can also be used as a right-handed platoon option in center field should he improve at the plate.

The Phillies have clear defensive issues in their outfield, and Pache can help shorten the game somewhat and replace either Schwarber or Castellanos defensively.