Jeremy Hellickson: Top Five Trade Partners for the Phillies Starter

Jeremy Hellickson dominated the Miami Marlins Wednesday night, pitching a season-high eight innings and striking out eight batters in-route to his seventh win of the season.

With Hellickson being in the final year of his contract, it does not make sense for the Phillies to hold onto him for the rest of the season. Getting a mid-level prospect in return is better than nothing.

The only argument you could make to keeping Hellickson is getting draft compensation next year once he leaves in free agency. In the Phillies situation, this scenario is less than likely, considering their top pitching prospect Jake Thompson has been on fire his last nine outings.

With that being said, here are the top five teams most likely to trade for Jeremy Hellickson at this seasons’ MLB trade deadline.

Next: #5

#5. Kansas City Royals

The defending World Series champions are currently a .500 team thanks to injuries. Kris Medlen was one of those players affected by the injury bug, forcing him to go onto the 60-Day DL. Ian Kennedy has disappointed the team with a 4.28 ERA.

MLB.com’s Jim Morosi says Hellickson is among several pitchers the Royals are keeping a close eye on.

For now, sources say the Royals are evaluating a number of trade targets who will become free agents after this season; Hellickson is part of that pool.

Hellickson would be a cheaper option for Kansas City compared to a Sonny Gray or Matt Moore. It’s not a likely destination, but they are in the market.

Next: #4

#4. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers potent pitching staff has also fallen victim to the injury bug, namely Clayton Kershaw. After learning the best pitcher in baseball could possibly need back surgery, Los Angeles will be looking for a low-end rental to keep the ship afloat this summer.

Los Angeles is currently throwing out Kenta Maeda, Bud Norris, Scott Kazmir, and Brandon McCarthy. Their top prospect Julio Urias has bounced between the majors and Triple-A, but the depth is still not there for the Dodgers to make their anticipated post-season run. Losing Kershaw, Chris Hatcher, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Brett Anderson, and Alex Wood has left them needing the depth they originally had, despite losing Zach Greinke in free agency.

While Hellickson’s numbers at Dodgers Stadium aren’t flattering (19 hits allowed in 12 innings pitched), he will pitch well in places such as San Francisco.

Next: #3

#2. Boston Red Sox

If not for acquiring Drew Pomeranz earlier this week, the Boston Red Sox would be atop the Hellickson trade suitors. Despite acquiring Pomeranz, you can never have too much pitching when you’re attempting to send David Ortiz out a champion.

Hellickson would most likely take over the rotation spot of 23-year-old Eduardo Rodriguez, who has a 7.18 ERA in seven starts this year.

And since he started his career in Tampa Bay, Hellickson has experience pitching in American League East ballparks. He has a good record pitching at Tropicana Field as well, which will help Boston down the stretch.

Next: #1

#1. Texas Rangers

The Phillies and Rangers have historically been excellent trade partners, as seen with the Hamels and Michael Young deals.

Most likely, Hellickson would be sent in a package, which could include Carlos Ruiz. The Phillies have been scouting the Rangers major league system, which could mean a trade larger than one made with Boston or Miami.

Texas also has one of the best records in baseball. As I mentioned with Boston though, you can never have enough pitching during a post-season run. Veteran Kyle Lohse is struggling for them at the bottom of the rotation, creating a perfect spot for Hellickson to fill in. Add the injury history with Yu Darvish, and Texas would love to add starting depth.