Phillies Grade the Trade: Ruben Amaro’s Top Five Trades

1. Start of Something Special

Philadelphia Phillies

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SP, Matt Harrison, C Jorge Alfaro, RHP Jerad Eickhoff, OF Nick Williams, RHP Alec Asher and RHP Jake Thompson.

Texas Rangers

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LHP, Cole Hamels, LHP, Jake Diekman, Cash

One of Ruben Amaro Jr’s last trades was ultimately his best, and it involved sending Cole Hamels to Texas. It’s also the only one where he traded a young talent in exchange for a package of prospects.

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The Phillies got multiple prospects who have reshaped the outlook of the franchise and could be major stepping-stones towards another prolonged World Series run.

Hamels was on his way to a Cy Young, but will most likely lose out once again when the votes are counted.

So far every prospect except Nick Williams has played at least one game in the Major Leagues, but most will start the 2017 season in Triple-A.

Matt Harrison was brought on solely to relieve some of Hamels cap hit and reduce the amount of money the Phillies are sending directly to Texas. He has been battling a back injury, and has not played a game since the trade.