Phillies rumors: What’s next post-Segura trade?
It’s time for a refresh on the latest Phillies rumors
The Phillies rumors over the last couple of days have primarily circulated around the trade with Seattle bringing Jean Segura and two relievers to Philadelphia for J.P. Crawford and Carlos Santana.
Philadelphia is far from done, but this trade knocks several things off their to-do list for the offseason. The Segura trade helped the Phillies improve in so many ways: they improve at first base, shortstop, bullpen, and left field. Now that there is more flexibility Philadelphia can move on.
The Winter Meetings begin next week in Las Vegas, and the Phillies still have a lot of decisions and holes. Luckily they removed a major clog on their roster moving Santana out of the way at first base.
Reports suggest free agent pitcher Patrick Corbin could make his free agency decision soon. It wouldn’t shock me if he waits until the Winter Meetings when everyone is in the same building to make their final pitches and offers.
If Corbin does not choose the Phillies than expect quick movement towards a deal with another left-handed pitcher, potentially J.A. Happ.
The Winter Meetings will be in Bryce Harper‘s hometown, and where better for him to make his decision. All has been quiet from the Harper camp regarding where he ends up and many expect him to sign with the Phillies. They now have that corner outfield spot open if Harper signs.
Left field could be a platoon of Nick Williams and Roman Quinn while Harper takes over right field.
Despite adding Juan Nicasio and James Pazos the Phillies could add a veteran reliever in Vegas. Zach Britton, Andrew Miller, and Craig Kimbrel have each been linked to the Phillies, and others such as David Robertson or Kelvin Herrera could fit in.
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Another catcher could be acquired after Wilson Ramos entered free agency. Last year the front office showed their lack of faith in Andrew Knapp to be a productive backup catcher, and having a veteran to mentor Jorge Alfaro makes all the sense in the world.
Kurt Suzuki and Brian McCann are off the table, leaving options such as Ramos, Matt Wieters, Devin Mesoraco, A.J. Ellis, and Jonathan Lucroy available as free agent options at catcher.
Matt Klentak might not be done making trades involving his infield just yet. The team could potentially move on from Maikel Franco and/or Cesar Hernandez. A move involving Franco would only come if the Phillies convince Manny Machado to play third. Hernandez would be moved to allow Scott Kingery to take over as the everyday second baseman.
Milwaukee could look at Herandez after not tendering Jonathan Schoop last week.
Expect some role players designed to fill out the bench come into play once the big guys are signed.