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FanSided MLB Winter Meetings: Phillies trade Cesar Hernandez to Angels

By John Town

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 25: Cesar Hernandez #16 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws to first base after forcing out Victor Robles #14 of the Washington Nationals in the top of the eighth inning at Citizens Bank Park on September 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Nationals defeated the Phillies 3-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 25: Cesar Hernandez #16 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws to first base after forcing out Victor Robles #14 of the Washington Nationals in the top of the eighth inning at Citizens Bank Park on September 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Nationals defeated the Phillies 3-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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In their second move at the FanSided MLB Winter Meetings, the Phillies traded Cesar Hernandez to the Angels for their top prospect in a five-player deal.

DISCLAIMER: The following article is a part of the FanSided MLB Winter Meetings simulation and does not reflect any real events.

It took some time to hammer out the details, but the Phillies and Angels were able to agree on a deal that will send second baseman Cesar Hernandez to Los Angeles in exchange for their top prospect, outfielder Jahmai Jones.

In addition, Philadelphia will also receive right-handed pitcher Parker Bridwell and $200,000 worth of international signing pool money. In exchange, they will also send pitching prospects Victor Arano and Bailey Falter to the Angels.

The Phillies started off high on the deal, asking for Jones, pitcher Garrett Richards, and relief prospect Eduardo Paredes. GM John Town was “smoking some strong stuff” with that offer, but was able to get Jones in the deal in the end. The Angels offered Bridwell, wanting in exchange a major-league reliever or Arano and Falter. Philadelphia took the latter, asking for some more international signing money, which they often look for in trades.

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This deal clears up the infield logjam, allowing J.P. Crawford to be a starter in the majors next season. He can start at second base until Scott Kingery is ready to make his major-league debut. Then, the team can either trade Galvis or move him into a utility role.

Jones was the Angels’ top prospect and is the key prize in this deal. The 2015 second-round pick made it to High-A by the end of the year.

Jones hit .282/.348/.446 with 14 home runs in 127 games between Low-A and High-A this year. He is a plus runner, stealing 27 bases this year. That speed should allow him to stick in center field long-term. Jones should be a plus hitter as well with average power. One thing often pointed out in Jones’ scouting reports is the fact that he is a clubhouse leader and has great baseball smarts.

With an overall value of 50 according to MLB.com, Jones should slot into the top ten of Philadelphia’s farm system.

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In addition, the team gets another rotation option in Bridwell, who was traded to the Angels in April of this year. The Orioles viewed him as a bullpen arm after being a slow riser through the minors, but the Angels moved him back to the rotation after acquiring him. He made 20 starts in 2017, logging a 3.64 ERA, 1.198 WHIP, and 2.43 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He could contend for a rotation spot along with lefty Steven Brault, who was acquired from the Pirates Monday.

The additional international signing money will allow the Phillies to potentially sign another significant prospect in the international signing market next year.

With the new signing rules in place, any extra money puts them at an advantage.

Next: FanSided MLB Meetings: Phillies trade Rupp to Pirates

What other moves will the Phils make before the meetings are over? Keep your eye on TBOH and the rest of the MLB FanSided sites.

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