No. 4: Trading Jimmy Rollins to the Dodgers
With the need for a rebuild clear, the Phillies started to trade away many of the pieces that helped them sustain success for so long. One of the first was Jimmy Rollins, who was traded to the Dodgers after the 2014 season.
In exchange for Rollins, Philadelphia received minor-league pitchers Tom Windle and Zach Eflin. Windle was a fringe rotation prospect before coming to Philadelphia. After, he struggled in Double-A Reading’s rotation, eventually being transitioned to the bullpen. He has still struggled, failing to move above Double-A after spending three years there. Any chance he reaches the majors is unlikely.
Meanwhile, Eflin was able to make it to the majors, but he has struggled to find his footing there. He had a 5.54 ERA in 11 starts in 2016 before going on the 60-day disabled list as he needed surgery to repair his knees. In 2017, Eflin had a 6.16 ERA before a season-ending shoulder injury.
Trading Rollins was probably the best decision for the team, but the players they got back in return have contributed little to the team, making this one of the worse trades in recent years.