That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

Phillies rumors: Robbie Ray trade could involve young outfielders

By George Stockburger

BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 16: Nick Williams #5, Aaron Altherr #23, and Odubel Herrera #37 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 16, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. Phillies won 4-1. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 16: Nick Williams #5, Aaron Altherr #23, and Odubel Herrera #37 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 16, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. Phillies won 4-1. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Phillies rumors surrounding Robbie Ray might pick up

The Phillies rumors surrounding left-handed starting pitchers have lingered since the final pitch of 2018 was thrown. After missing on Patrick Corbin and James Paxton, the Phillies are among a handful of teams courting lefty J.A. Happ to return to Philadelphia.

If the Phillies can’t get a deal done with Happ, their next, best option would be via a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks involving Robbie Ray.

Ray’s name has been mentioned in Phillies rumors since the general manager meetings. He’s just 27-years-old and under control for two more years, making him an enticing option with the Diamondbacks entering a rebuild.

Arizona will set a high price tag for Ray knowing the Phillies are desperate to add a veteran left-handed starter.

Despite winning 82 games last year the Diamondbacks traded Paul Goldschmidt and aren’t expected to re-sign outfielder A.J. Pollock.

With Pollock likely out of the Diamondback’s plans, a match could emerge between Arizona and Philadelphia.

The Phillies just signed Andrew McCutchen to a three-year deal and are still hot on free agent Bryce Harper. If both can be added this offseason the Phillies could offer up several of their young, major league ready outfielders to Arizona.

Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies /

Philadelphia Phillies

Odubel Herrera, Nick Williams, and Aaron Altherr could find themselves on the trade block, regardless if the Phillies add Harper. Roman Quinn pushed for a major league job last year, and right now it feels as if Philadelphia has one or two too many outfielders.

Arizona’s lineup was very right-handed heavy last year, so adding either Herrera or Williams to balance the lineup makes sense.

Both Herrera and Williams also have experience in center field, which would fill the void of Pollock. Would Arizona want five years of Williams with very little money or five years of Herrera making about $25 million?

I think Williams still has room to grow while we know what Herrera can be, which granted is still shaky. Herrera went from being an MVP and batting title candidate early in the season to a major disappointment.

Another thing the Phillies could do in a potential deal with the Diamondbacks is to add veteran catcher Alex Avila to a deal.

Philadelphia doesn’t appear to be bringing Wilson Ramos back, and according to Jim Salisbury they’re out on J.T. Realmuto. Philadelphia needs to find an upgrade over Andrew Knapp as the backup, and Avila could be a veteran who mentors Alfaro.

Home/Phillies Rumors