Phillies trade rumors: Royals scouting Phillies farm system
A potential Mike Moustakas trade could be on the way for the Phillies
With a month until the trade deadline, the Kansas City Royals are reportedly scouting the Phillies farm system. Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports one of his sources says the two organizations are having ongoing trade discussions, and Kansas City has been watching the Phillies minor leaguers.
Moustakas is on a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2019 worth $15 million that includes a $1 million buyout.
Philadelphia has been in talks with multiple teams regarding upgrades to the hot corner, including Toronto, Baltimore, Texas, and Kansas City. Each of those four teams has a veteran third baseman on an expiring contract, something Phillies GM Matt Klentak says won’t prevent the team from making a deal.
More from Phillies Rumors
- Phillies rumors: Club targets Seth Lugo for possible bullpen role
- Could Phillies sign 2nd former Mets starting pitcher in same offseason?
- Phillies rumor: Dansby Swanson could be club’s alternative to Trea Turner
- Rob Thomson apology hints possible Phillies blockbuster signing
- Phillies rumors: Club likely to land top shortstop on free-agent market
Maikel Franco has seemingly fallen out of favor with the coaching staff, and J.P. Crawford is on the disabled list for the second time this season.
A two-time All-Star with the Royals, Moustakas is hitting .258 with 15 home runs, 50 RBI, and an even 2:1 BB/K ratio.
His numbers aren’t dramatically different from Franco, who is also hitting .258 but with 10 home runs and 38 RBI.
Here are their slash lines compared, which again aren’t all that different:
Moustakas: .258/.313/.467/.780
Franco: . 258/.299/..442/.741
The power numbers are what sway the slugging percentage up for Moustakas, but on-base wise it’s not a major difference.
Where Philadelphia would get a major upgrade if they bring in Moustakas is with WAR, or wins above replacement. Franco is sporting a -0.4 WAR compared to Moustakas’s 1.4 WAR. Moustakas’ WAR is 15th among third baseman, while Franco’s is last among qualifying third basemen.
Considering Moustakas is a rental player Philadelphia shouldn’t have to give a major piece of their farm system up to acquire him. Franco could be part of a deal that includes a mid-level pitching prospect such as Franklyn Kilome or Cole Irvin.
Next: Power Ranking Players from the 2008 World Series
Follow tonight’s game on our Twitter and Facebook pages for score updates, reactions, and more!