Cristian Pache trade grades: Phillies gamble on former Braves prospect

The Philadelphia Phillies acquired a former top prospect, Cristian Pache, in a trade with the Oakland Athletics. Here’s who won the trade.

Opening Day officially takes place on March 30, and MLB teams are beginning to finalize their rosters before their first game. Some of these moves began literally 24 hours before the teams’ first pitch of the 2023 season. There was one trade ahead of the season, and it was between the Philadelphia Phillies and Oakland Athletics, which sent a former top Atlanta Braves prospect back into the NL East.

On Wednesday, the Phillies acquired outfielder Christian Pache from the Athletics in exchange for right-handed pitcher Billy Sullivan.

So, let’s hand out grades to the Phillies and Athletics for their trade just one day ahead of the start of the 2023 regular season.

Cristian Pache trade grades: Phillies

The Braves have received countless praise for the development of their prospects, and deservedly so. You see that they have had numerous superstars come up from their ranks, like third baseman Austin Riley, starting pitcher Spencer Strider, and outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. Pache was considered to be one of the top prospects in Atlanta’s farm system and was projected to be an everyday outfielder for Atlanta.

While Pache does have the defensive ability that teams would crave, he struggled in the batter’s box since making it to the majors.

In 2021, Pache recorded a .111 batting average, a .152 on-base percentage, a .206 slugging percentage, one home run, four RBI, six runs scored, and seven hits in 22 games with the Braves.

This past season, Pache played 91 games with the Athletics, who acquired him from Atlanta in the Matt Olson trade. Pache slashed .166/.218/.241 while recording three home runs, 18 RBI, 18 runs scored, 40 hits, and 70 strikeouts.

Although this spring, Pache did put up better numbers at the plate, slashing .302/.362/.419 while recording three runs scored, eight RBI, and 13 hits in 21 games.

Pache is not set to be a starting outfielder for the Phillies, as they have Kyle Schwarber, Brandon Marsh, and Nicholas Castellanos at the top of the depth chart. This is before Bryce Harper returns at some point this season from Tommy John surgery. Pache gives Philadelphia some depth and a quality defensive glove in the outfield. Maybe if he can turn things around at the plate, he could get more playing time. But other than that, Pache is going to be a backup.

Phillies Trade Grade: B-

Cristian Pache trade grades: Athletics

The Athletics were out of minor league options for Pache, so instead of designating him for assignment, they get a player in return instead of watching him walk. That player is 23-year-old right-handed pitcher Billy Sullivan, who the Phillies selected Sullivan in the 28th round of the MLB June Amateur Draft.

Sullivan made his minor league debut in the 2021 season, playing for both Single-A+ and Double-A. In 20 games, Sullivan recorded a 2.66 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, 35 strikeouts, 16 walks, and two saves (three opportunities) in 23.2 innings. Sullivan played in 44 games in 2022, posting a 4.59 ERA, a 1.69 WHIP, 77 strikeouts, 36 walks, and two saves (four opportunities) in 51.0 innings.

The Athletics bring in a relief pitcher that they can attempt to develop into an option out the bullpen in Oakland. Again, at least they got a player in return for Pache.

Athletics Trade Grade: C-