Phillies should explore trade with Miami for unlikely player

Forget Giancarlo Stanton, the Phillies need to trade for this Marlins infielder

Phillies executives have spoken strongly about improving the team, no matter the cost, in the coming seasons. With an abundance of financial assets, the team has the opportunity to make several franchise-altering moves.

Perhaps the greatest move, in terms of size, that could be executed is power-hitter Giancarlo Stanton. While the thought of Stanton playing half the season in a hitter’s friendly park is enticing, the price would be too large for Phillies general manager Matt Klentak to swallow.

Stanton will command multiple top prospects, something Philadelphia will be hesitant of.

Instead, utility infielder Martin Prado would be an excellent fit for the organization. His price tag will be significantly lower than Stanton’s and could be as simple as a player to be named later.

Prado takes over a leadership role in the Phillies clubhouse and is a younger, potentially better version of Andres Blanco.

Prado would also be an excellent piece to swap at the trade deadline for a bundle of prospects. While his $13 million cap hit over the next two seasons will cause some to hesitate, the Phillies are known for eating money in big contracts.

Taking on Prado’s contract will be a drop in the bucket for this organization considering what other teams have set out with.

Is Prado as splashy as Stanton or another young star on the Marlins? Absolutely not. But his presence could pay off in the long-term for this team. Whether it’s leadership on the field or the ensuing trade to bring in prospects, this deal would make too much sense for Klentak.