That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

Philadelphia Phillies: The five worst trades of the last decade

By John Town

PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 02: Cliff Lee #34 of the Philadelphia Phillies runs back to the dugout after the final out in the top of the seventh inning against the New York Yankees in Game Five of the 2009 MLB World Series at Citizens Bank Park on November 2, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 02: Cliff Lee #34 of the Philadelphia Phillies runs back to the dugout after the final out in the top of the seventh inning against the New York Yankees in Game Five of the 2009 MLB World Series at Citizens Bank Park on November 2, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Phillies
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 8: Shortstop Jimmy Rollins #11 of the Philadelphia Phillies scores a run in the bottom of the fourth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 8, 2014 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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.

Home/Phillies History