With the trade deadline just a month away, the Phillies reportedly already have a trade offer on the table for reliever Pat Neshek.
With the Phillies season spiraling downwards quickly, trades are likely on the horizon. Manager Pete Mackanin told Todd Zolecki of MLB.com that he expects some players to be moved by July 31:
"“I foresee some changes, obviously,” Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said before Saturday night’s game against the D-backs at Chase Field. “But I can’t be a fortune teller. I think we have some players that are pretty desirable, but it’s too hard for me to kind of project that type of thing.”"
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One player that many expect to be traded is reliever Pat Neshek. He has been the team’s only consistent option out of the bullpen this year. In 32 games, Neshek has been worth 1.8 bWAR with a 0.61 ERA, 0.775 WHIP, and 7.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
With the other veterans on the team either injured or struggling, Neshek is the easy option to move. He has even said that he expects to be traded this season.
According to Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly, a trade for Neshek may already be in the works. A source of his said that the team already has a “standing offer” for the reliever. The only thing keeping the team from pulling the trigger is the possibility of receiving a better deal as the deadline approaches.
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Salisbury’s source didn’t give any indication on what team made the offer. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports has said the Nationals are interested in Neshek, but we don’t know if they are the ones that have made the offer. Salisbury said the team could get a low-level prospect, but they are hoping for someone better.
A rift may be growing between Neshek and the team as Neshek and Mackanin gave conflicting stories about Neshek returning to the mound for a second inning June 22. Mackanin said he asked Neshek but that he refused, while Neshek said he was never asked. It was the second day in a row the two gave conflicting stories to reporters.
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Neshek has seen his role heavily increase this month. Since June 3, Neshek has appeared in 11 games and has not allowed a single run. While Mackanin doesn’t have much of a choice considering his other relievers are struggling so much, but it also acts as the opportunity to shop Neshek.