All eyes are on Michael Young at the moment, to see if he’ll say “I do” and wed himself to the Phillies for a year. Should he reject the opportunity to play in sunny Philadelphia, the team will have to look elsewhere for a right handed bat. And, even if Young accepts the proposed deal, the Phils are still in need of outfielders.
Enter Corey Hart.
Brewers have considered trading Corey Hart to free up money for pitching search. Without some type of move, can't play on bigger pitchers.
— Danny Knobler (@DannyKnobler) December 5, 2012
Hart has been a Brewer all his life, and may be reluctant to leave as evidenced by his limited no-trade-clause. Assuming the Phillies aren’t on the list, there’s no reason they shouldn’t make a full court press to acquire him.
Hart has primarily played right field, but also filled in at first base last season, so he brings versatility. His power would be a much needed addition to a Phillies lineup that is desperate for the long ball. Did I mention he is right handed?! Hart hit 30 homer runs with OPS of .841 a year ago. He would look mighty nice splitting up Utley and Howard in the lineup.
If the Brewers are serious about making a push for Zach Greinke or Anibal Sanchez the Phillies should gladly take his $10 million dollar salary off their hands. Like Jacoby Ellsbury, Hart is in the last year of his current deal so the prospect package to get him wouldn’t be astronomical. Start the conversation with Sebastian Valle and Justin De Fratus and the Phillies can solve their right handed power problem.
The biggest roadblock is Hart’s no-trade. If the Phillies are on the list I doubt they have what it takes to lure Hart to the city of Brotherly Love, but Corey’s power and right handed-ness are to valuable not to ask. So get on the phone Ruben, track down Doug Melvin and make him an offer he can’t refuse.