This was what I expected out of Klentak. The Phillies added depth players throughout the season and the trade deadline was not different. In the end, Corey Dickerson was traded for cash and a player to be named later.
The 30-year-old outfielder is a rental player, meaning his contract expires at the end of this year. Dickerson has only played in 43 games but is batting .317 and of course, is a former all-star and gold glove winner. The Phillies acquiring Dickerson strengthens the bench but also makes me curious if Jay Bruce’s injury is more serious than anticipated. One thing to hope from is that with this depth when Bruce returns we have seen the last of Roman Quinn.
That wasn’t the only trade today for the Phillies. Klentak also traded for pitcher Dan Straily from Baltimore for cash considerations. Straily was designated for assignment to Lehigh Valley. Although the two trades bolstered the Phillies’ depth, it lacked the punch of a major blockbuster deal. In doing so, Klentak would have most likely had to give up Alec Bohm or Spencer Howard, as that seemed to be every team’s asking price. Personally, I am glad he didn’t as Bohm and Howard have very bright futures with the Phillies
Prior to the Deadline
Just because the Phils didn’t pull off the deadline deal of the century, doesn’t mean Klentak was sitting still. He had previously traded for Jason Vargas and Mike Morin. Vargas was traded for a minor league catcher and Morin for cash considerations. Again, Klentak addressed the pitching problem by going out and making moves without giving up top prospects.
Klentak also was busy signing players. Signing Drew Smyly looks like a really smart move as Smyly has given up just one run in 13 innings of work for the Phillies. The Phillies also signed Blake Parker, who previously pitched for the Twins. Again, Klentak addressed an issue without losing any pieces.
Failing to move players
The one sticking point to not making any moves for me is that Scott Kingery still doesn’t have a home. Kingery is an infielder that is consistently playing multiple positions. He is in a bit of a slump that has seen his average drop down below .280 for the first time this season. Something has to be done this off-season. Kingery can’t be used as an everyday utility man.
I would love to see Cesar Hernandez moved so Kingery can play his natural position. I am not a Hernandez hater, as I believe he is a solid major league player. However, I feel Kingery may have more upside at this point.
The other trade option is Maikal Franco. Franco’s tenure in Philadelphia has seemed to run its course. Although he is an above-average fielder, his lack of offense will yield little in return. I believe that Hernandez has better trade value, plus it leads the way to an infield with Hoskins, Kingery, Segura, and Bohm. That is an infield that we can all look forward too.
Regardless of how you feel as a fan, we should all be happy that they didn’t try to go all-in on rental players for this year. The Phillies continue to look build for the future.
