Phillies rumor: Cesar Hernandez a potential target for the Toronto Blue Jays
Where will the Phillies lead-off hitter play next season?
Hours before the winter meetings officially begin the rumor mill is picking up steam for nearly every team but the Phillies. Matt Klentak is known for making moves as the baseball world converges down south, and his biggest one could come this week.
The clock is ticking for second baseman Cesar Hernandez with top prospect Scott Kingery knocking on the door next season. Many believe Klentak will attempt to ship Hernandez and potentially shortstop Freddy Galvis in trades this offseason, if not this week.
While the Los Angeles Angels have reportedly made an offer for Hernandez the Toronto Blue Jays are emerging as a team needing help at second base. Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports the Blue Jays are interested in Pirates infielder Josh Harrison after already acquiring Gift Ngoepe from the Pirates andAledmys Diaz from St. Louis. Diaz will replace Troy Tulowitzki at short, but there’s a significant hole at second.
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Klentak has a blueprint for a potential trade after Dee Gordon went to Seattle, so the haul could be considerable for Hernandez. Toronto has young pitchers such as Aaron Sanchez and Marcus Stroman in their major league rotation, although their availability is likely limited in trade discussions.
Ryan Borucki, Toronto’s 13th-ranked prospect, is close to major league ready after making his Triple-A debut last year. Considering the Marlins got a pair of the Mariners’ top prospects the return would be more than Borucki.
If Klentak wants a guy to fill a rotation spot right away would the organization consider bringing back J.A. Happ? If Stroman and Sanchez aren’t available a package of Happ, Borucki, and two more prospects might get the deal done.
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Klentak will have a lot on his plate with Hernandez and Galvis drawing interest this week. The organization’s top priority is adding pitching, and Toronto could be the match.