According to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, the reigning NL East Champion Philadelphia Phillies have had trade talks regarding several players, including Alec Bohm, Nick Castellanos, and Ranger Suàrez. There is a lot to unpack here and several ways to look at it.
What makes sense for the Phillies? Should they trade a big name? Let’s take a look.
Trade Bait
Alec Bohm – Alec Bohm is coming off the best year of his career, including his first all-star nod and home run derby appearance. Considering he has never had as good of a season as this, some might wonder if this is an outlier season. His trade value will never be higher than it is right now, and there are players the Phillies can sign to fill the position. The former third-overall pick is a mental guy, meaning if things are going well, he’s one of the best players on the team, but he can struggle if things aren’t going right. He also tends to throw his helmet when he strikes out, something many people have complained about.
Nick Castellanos – Nick Castellanos has had an up-and-down career with the Phillies. His 2022 season (.263/.305/.389/.694 with 13 HR & 62 RBI) was underwhelming, his 2023 (.272/.311/.476/.788 with 29 HR & 106 RBI) season got him his second all-star nod, and his 2024, while better (.254/.311/.431/.742 with 23 HR & 89 RBI) than 2022, was not as productive as his 2023 season. He is also on a big contract, and moving on from that is something to consider.
Ranger Suárez – Ranger Suárez did not finish the regular season that he, the Phillies, or fans had hoped for. In the beginning, he was in the Cy Young conversation. After his injury, he was a shell of himself. He is the most movable of all the players on the roster and will get you the most in return. He isn’t on a big contract, and would instantly become the best pitcher not named Rōki Sasaki available this offseason. The Phillies have been rumored to be in on Chicago White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet, and acquiring him would surely mean Ranger gets traded.
Reasons to stay
Alec Bohm – Alec Bohm was the starting third baseman for the National League in the all-star game this year. He was among the best players on the #1 team in MLB in the first half of the season. Not only is he a good player, but his “replacements” will either be expensive (Alex Bregman), well past their prime (Nolan Arenado), or have you relying on a rookie who isn’t quite ready for the big leagues and hasn’t played third base in his pro career (Aidan Miller). Alec Bohm is by far the best option for the Phillies if they want to continue to be a contender into 2025.
Nick Castellanos – Nick Castellanos is one of the more vocal leaders in the Phillies’ clubhouse, and whether people like to acknowledge it or not, that kind of thing matters. Alec Bohm credits Castellanos with helping him handle the “I (expletive) hate this place” that was caught on camera in 2022. His team-leading performance in this year’s NLDS against the Mets where he hit .412/.412/.647/1.059 with one home run and three RBI solidified his spot on next year’s roster.
Ranger Suárez – Ranger Suárez is one of the best pitchers on the Phillies’ roster, and he can go into the bullpen if necessary. He isn’t on a big contract and his career 1.43 postseason ERA becomes crucial when it matters most. He was unhittable and a guaranteed win before his injury, and getting rid of someone like that doesn’t make sense as a contending team.
What will the Phillies do?
I don’t think Alec Bohm, Nick Castellanos, or Ranger Suárez should be traded. Trading major contributors for, prospects is not going to get you the parade down Broad Street you’ve been craving since 2008.
There are other players you could turn to that aren’t the all-star, sole position player contribution in this year’s NLDS, or a dominant starter in both the regular season and playoffs. The Phillies are in win-now mode, they can’t worry about the future when you have Bryce Harper in his prime.
Mandatory Photo Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
