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Phillies trade rumors: Club in talks for Wilson Ramos with Rays

By George Stockburger

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 17: Wilson Ramos #40 of the Tampa Bay Rays during the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 17: Wilson Ramos #40 of the Tampa Bay Rays during the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Phillies trade rumors are just starting to heat up at the deadline approaches

A potential major move could be coming the Phillies way as Jeff Passan throws a wrench into the Phillies trade rumors.

Passan of Yahoo Sports reports the Phillies and Rays are in “deep talks” regarding catcher Wilson Ramos. While Jorge Alfaro would likely remain the starting catcher, Ramos would be a major upgrade over Andrew Knapp, a favorite of manager Gabe Kapler.

Deep talks can fall apart, so don’t think this is final, but it could be a major move at the deadline that commands a prospect or two. Ramos is a player we highlighted earlier this year as a trade candidate considering the struggles of Knapp at the plate.

Ramos is hitting .297/.346/.488 this year in 315 plate appearances with 14 home runs and 53 RBI. At 30-years-old he’s still a legitimate defensive catcher, something the Phillies have lacked in with Alfaro and Knapp.

Alfaro leads baseball with eight passed balls this year and Knapp has five coming off the bench.

Knapp has been primarily used as the back-up after platooning with Alfaro early in the season. Kapler has liked Knapp off the bench following a walk-off home run earlier in the season, but Knapp is hitting just .223 in his second season with the Phillies.

A move for Ramos ultimately does good for the Phillies bench as well, both as a hitter and a leader. This team needs more veterans after going through most of the year with one of the youngest clubhouses in baseball.

Follow our trade tracker and Twitter @FS_TBOH for the latest news surrounding this rumor and more.

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