Phillies Grade the Trade: How’d Matt Klentak do at the trade deadline

Perhaps the most regal move made by Klentak was sending Pat Neshek to the Colorado Rockies. It’s a move we predicted hours before it became reality, and considering what Philadelphia gave up for Neshek during the winter it may be a great trade down the line.

Jose Gomez looks to be the biggest piece coming over, and is already rated as the organization’s 19th-best prospect. Rated as an above average hitter with plus-defense the 20-year-old Gomez provides much-needed middle infield depth to the lower levels of the Phillies organization.

The Phillies will need to consider protecting him from the Rule 5 Draft this year, but at 20-years-old the chances of a team selecting and playing him on a major league roster are slim.

J.D. Hammer has the Phillies marketing department salivating with ideas for giveaways, promotions, licencing and all kinds of merchandise. Hopefully, Hammer can develop a great curveball and sign a deal with Home Depot or Arm & Hammer. Perhaps some foam hammers or an appearance with Flyers legend Dave “The Hammer” Schultz?

In all seriousness, Hammer is an intriguing, young bullpen arm that hopefully develops into a late inning pitcher. He may fade out this time next year or rise through the organization only to disappoint.

To finish up the deal the Phillies add another young pitcher, Alejandro Requena. Not only is this a great name, but the kid dominated Single-A with a 2.85 ERA with 97 strikeouts in 19 starts. He’s also just 20-years-old with room to develop and doesn’t need Rule 5 protection.

Little was expected of Neshek, who ultimately became the Phillies lone All-Star and the most entertaining relief pitcher in recent memory. To get a top-20 prospect and two young pitchers in return for a rental reliever in his late-30s is admirable.

Klentak makes what may become a top-five roster move in his career as the Phillies general manager when all is said and done.