The latest Phillies trade rumors are connecting Pat Neshek to contenders in the American League East
Of the Phillies’ prized trade assets, All-Star set-up pitcher Pat Neshek leads the way in value and chatter when it comes to Phillies trade rumors.
With a week until the trade deadline, the Phillies are showcasing Neshek to a motley of interested suitors. ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick says five teams have representatives in Philadelphia watching the 36-year-old righty.
Washington, Boston, Tampa Bay, the Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers are keeping a close eye on the veteran according to Crasnick. This news coming prior to Neshek throwing a perfect seventh inning with two strikeouts in the Phillies’ 6-3 win versus the Brewers.
Philadelphia has a history making deals with their division rivals down I-95, including the Jonathan Papelbon trade that netted Nick Pivetta. Washington added Sean Doolittle and former Phillie Ryan Madson in a trade with Oakland to solidify the worst bullpen in baseball, but adding Neshek could push the Nats over the top in the National League.
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Boston needs a bridge to Craig Kimbrel and an elder presence on the staff. Neshek has respectable numbers in Boston and has never allowed a home run in seven appearances out of the bullpen.
Tampa Bay, who’s in the race for the American League East, are third in baseball in blown saves (16) and second behind Philadelphia and Milwaukee in losses by a reliever.
Los Angeles’ bullpen has shown to be strong, blowing only nine saves and collecting eight losses. One of the leagues’ best teams, Los Angeles could look to incorporate the Royals’ strategy from 2015 by stacking the back-end of their bullpen. Since moving on from former Giant Sergio Romo the Dodgers employ Kenley Jensen, Pedro Baez, and Josh Fields as their late inning relievers.
Neshek has little regular season experience pitching in Dodgers Stadium but was able to take advantage of the atmosphere during the World Baseball Classic this past offseason. Appearing in two games in Chavez Ravine Neshek went 1.1 innings allowing one hit, a walk, and a strikeout against Japan and Puerto Rico.
Next: Phillies prepared to cash in on Neshek
Don’t be surprised if Neshek is gone before the deadline next Monday, as the Phillies will look to deal him as soon as possible.