PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 24: Carlos Santana #41 of the Philadelphia Phillies talks to General Manager Matt Klentak prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park on April 24, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 24: Carlos Santana #41 of the Philadelphia Phillies talks to General Manager Matt Klentak prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park on April 24, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
The Phillies could very well be making deadline deals to bolster their team this year, but there are a few prospects they should keep out of these trades.
With the trade deadline only a month and a half away, the Philadelphia Phillies could look to be buyers, as they sit within striking distance of the Atlanta Braves for first place in the National League East.
With that being said, the Phillies possess a number of high-caliber pitchers and position players in their minor league systems that could turn into the next superstar when ready. It may be difficult to not throw the farm at the Baltimore Orioles for Manny Machado, but the Phillies would be wise to keep these players out of any trade discussions.
This one is pretty obvious. Major League teams are often weary about parting with their number one prospects. The Phillies should not think any differently.
Ever since the Phillies were lucky enough to find Sixto Sanchez, scouts, fellow players, and general manager Matt Klentak have been blown away by his potential. Sanchez possesses a rare ability to throw his fastball in the upper-90’s while working to develop his secondary pitches such as a slider and changeup. The most enticing factor when it comes to Sanchez is his ability to control his pitches, something many teenage flamethrowers struggle with.
So far this season in High-A Clearwater, Sanchez has a 4-3 record with a 2.51 ERA over 46.2 innings. During this time, he has struck out 45 batters, while walking only 11. Sanchez is also no stranger to awards, as he won Florida State Pitcher of the Week earlier this month.
Arquimedes Gamboa
On paper, Arquimedes Gamboa is the type of prospect that scouts dream off. The switch-hitting Venezuelan shortstop combines elite speed with great awareness on defense allowing him to have excellent range and the athleticism to make plays deep in the hole like you can see above.
On the offensive side, Gamboa has improved upon his numbers each year since he was signed in 2015. A big measure of maturation for minor leaguers is the ability to develop plate discipline. Gamboa has raised his on-base percentage from a dismal .252 in rookie ball to .350 in High-A in just three years time.
He may still be regarded as raw, but you could argue that no prospect has progressed more in their time in the Phillies’ system than Gamboa. I understand this team is loaded with middle-infield talent like Scott Kingery and J.P. Crawford, but it should take quite the player to force the Phillies to deal Gamboa this year.
While many believe that Adam Haseley or Mickey Moniak have the highest potential, I am a strong believer in Ortiz. Ortiz possesses good power and showed off the ability to get on base and hit to all areas of the field last season.
This season for the Blue Claws, Ortiz got off to a slow start in June, he has picked it up big time, batting .317 for the month. Something that leads many to believe in Ortiz is his work ethic. Ortiz’ is regarded as one of the best on his team.
This constant desire to improve, along with his raw ability makes Ortiz an exciting and underrated prospect. Trading him could wind up haunting the Phils if Ortiz is able to succeed elsewhere.
