Phillies rumors: Tracking latest trade deadline news

What’s real news and what’s fake news? No one knows these days, and the Phillies rumors are becoming rampant

A lot of news is circling the Phillies with the trade deadline less than two weeks away. Recent movement across the baseball landscape has pushed teams to make moves now, creating, even more, smoke across the Phillies rumor mill.

We learned last night the Phillies were scouting the Yankees Triple-A team in Scranton, and all indicators point to a pair of infielders. Considering former third baseman Dave Hollins was in attendance it could be assumed middle infielder Tyler Wade and third baseman Miguel Andujar were the focus of Hollins’ visit to Scranton.

Andujar, the Yankees ninth ranked prospect, makes sense considering the organization’s depth at the hot corner is weak beyond Maikel Franco. The next player with intrigue is Cole Stobbe in Short-Season Williamsport.

Unless the Phillies move Scott Kingery or Cesar Hernandez to third they could be in the market for a third baseman if Maikel Franco fails to develop into a middle of the lineup hitter.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 07: Tommy Joseph /

New York would have targeted Pat Neshek, Tommy Joseph, or Jeremy Hellickson in a deal but the blockbuster involving David Robertson and Todd Frazier may have diminished their interest in Neshek and Joseph.

Even in a weak pitching market, Hellickson won’t command a prospect as heralded as Wade or Andujar.

The Yankees getting the heap of talent from Chicago came out of nowhere, and the Phillies could have been hot on the trail to trade Neshek or Joseph, who didn’t start Monday and went 0-5 Tuesday evening.

With the Yankees off the table for Neshek, several doors open up for Matt Klentak. Could Boston, who’s now missed out on David Robertson, make a late push to add a set-up man to bridge the way to Craig Kimbrel?

And it may be a stretch, but could a healthy Howie Kendrick intrigue the Red Sox at third base?

The Phillies minor league system has given him reps during previous rehab assignments, and his consistent bat and a veteran voice in the Red Sox locker room could be a good waiver trade in August. It’s a stretch, but certainly, something to consider if the Red Sox get desperate down the stretch.

St. Louis could be a place Kendrick lands if healthy.

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Now back to Neshek, who has the majority of the American League East keeping a close eye on him. Tampa Bay is also interested, but do they have the young talent to persuade the Phillies?

Milwaukee appears to be in on Neshek, as are the Nationals despite adding Ryan Madson and Sean Doolittle.

I’ve said for weeks Neshek will get more value than originally thought, and the recent moves for Robertson and Doolittle prove it could happen if the Phillies have the best bullpen arm on the market.

The one team constantly connected to the Phillies are their opponent out on the diamond today, the Miami Marlins. Early reports connected the Phillies to Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich, and Dee Gordon. It appears the Marlins may hold off on selling their young superstars until the offseason, essentially eliminating any blockbuster trade in the works.

The combination of news regarding the scouting of infielders and the Marlins reluctance to move an outfielder makes sense after some recent news came to light. Former ESPN baseball insider Jayson Stark says Philadelphia isn’t looking to add outfield prospects, as they believe they have a solid core to work with.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 15: Roman Quinn /

Three of the Phillies last first round picks have been outfielders (Adam Haseley, Mickey Moniak, Cornelius Randolph) and a logjam of prospects in the upper levels is creating havoc. With Nick Williams in the majors, more eyes are on Dylan Cozens, Jhaylin Ortiz, Carlos Tocci, Andrew Pullin, Jiandido Tromp, and the oft-injured Roman Quinn.

Outside of Neshek, the Phillies trade assets aren’t as strong as once thought when Kendrick and Michael Saunders were acquired during the offseason. Daniel Nava will be attractive as a switch-hitter off the bench with post-season, but his value won’t rival what Saunders could have brought if he produced like he did with Toronto.

Despite the lack of “smoke” surrounding Nava, it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s the first domino to fall in Philadelphia.

More from That Balls Outta Here

Joaquin Benoit may never be moved unless the Phillies settle for a player to be named later, aka a minor league arm that may never develop. Benoit has been a thorn in Pete Mackanin’s side on and off the mound and turns 40-years-old next week. With an ERA of 4.30 and 15 walks in 40 appearances, we could see Benoit pitching for the Phillies into August.

Hellickson won’t get the value Klentak rightfully sought last year at the trade deadline, but his ability to give a quality start every five days does have some value. New York will look for a cheap rotation arm with Michael Pineda out for the season that won’t cost them the farm.

Kansas City and Seattle are potential destinations for Hellickson, who could perhaps give a return such as a Double-A arm.

Next: Phillies 40-man roster: Changes coming at the trade deadline

A lot will happen in the next couple of days with the Phillies 25 and 40-man roster. Follow TBOH on Twitter for all the latest rumors and breaking stories.

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