Phillies trade rumors: Team discussed deal for Paul Goldschmidt
The Phillies reportedly discussed a trade for Paul Goldschmidt with the Diamondbacks but the talks were derailed when one player was included.
One of the bigger storylines this offseason aside from free agency will be the potential selloff of the Diamondbacks. Their most talented player, Paul Goldschmidt, has been the subject of many trade rumors, and the Phillies have now been included in those discussions.
Jayson Stark of the Athletic reported Monday that Philadelphia is one of several teams who spoke with Arizona about Goldschmidt. In fact, they discussed trade packages centered around starting pitcher Zach Eflin and other young players. However, the discussions hit a standstill when the Phils tried to include Carlos Santana in the deal.
Stark gave everyone a lot to digest. First, the team remains interested in Goldschmidt, although it would mean Rhys Hoskins and his horrendous defense remain in left field. Next, they are willing to part with Eflin, who showed serious potential last season. Finally, adding Santana to this potential deal wound up poisoning it.
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Adding Goldschmidt is a no-brainer. He has received MVP votes every year but one since 2013, including finishing sixth in voting this year. He has had an OPS above .899 in every year since 2013, finishing with a .922 OPS and 139 OPS+ in 2018. Goldschmidt is a Gold Glove-caliber defender at first base and consistently provides five wins above replacement year in year out.
Goldschmidt will be a free agent after the 2019 season, which is part of the reason why Arizona wants to trade him now before losing him for nothing. Even though 2020 will be his age-32 season, Goldschmidt will still get huge contract offers. Philadelphia should have more than enough capital to keep him long-term.
The two questions for any potential Goldschmidt deal are 1) exactly how much will you have to give up and 2) how do you move the pieces around him?
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To answer the first question, Stark hinted that Eflin would be an integral piece. Beyond him, one or two major-leaguers or a couple prospects would also need to be included. Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia offered up a potential package of Eflin, Vince Velasquez, and an outfielder. While he did not offer any names, that outfielder could be Odubel Herrera or Nick Williams.
Next, you have to figure out how to build the team around Goldschmidt. As mentioned previously, Hoskins would be stuck in left field again. Then they would have to figure out what to do with Carlos Santana and the $35 million he is still owed over the next two years.
Seidman says the team may simply have to trade Santana for whatever they can get rather than leave him at third base.
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It is clear there is still some work to be done before any deal for Goldschmidt can go through. However, given the chance to add him, Philadelphia should explore every avenue to make it happen.