Three Phillies that could be moved before Opening Day
With all the additions to the Phillies roster, some are bound to go. Who could be shipped off before Opening Day rolls around?
As the start of the 2019 season draws near, general manager Matt Klentak and the Philadelphia Phillies are coming fresh off one of the best offseasons in MLB history. They are the first team in history to add three All-Stars from the previous season. Klentak acquired former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen, All-Star Shortstop Jean Segura, a dominating reliever in David Robertson and the best catcher in baseball, J.T Realmuto.
Then, of course, came the biggest free agent signing in American sports history, six-time All-Star, Rookie of the Year, 2015 NL MVP, the $330 million man, Bryce Harper. Harper’s signing showed the team is ready to make a serious run for the playoffs this year and in the coming years. He adds the star power that the team has lacked since the turn of the decade.
The team has made enough moves to be in contention for not only the NL East but potentially even to make the NLCS or World Series. With some high caliber free agents still on the block and plenty of options for targets come the deadline, this teams roster could be far from finalized.
While the Phillies are undoubtedly heading into 2019 a better team, these additions do mean one way or the other someone is going to have to go. Whether it be via trade, cutting or sent down to the minors, moves will be made to get the Phillies roster in check as March 28th approaches.
As the days tick down to March 28th here are three Phillies players who could be traded before Opening Day.
Nick Williams
In 2017 before Rhys Hoskins came to town there was a different young promising outfielder in the form of Nick Williams. Williams burst onto the scene with a great rookie campaign looking like a potential cornerstone piece for the Phils. In 313 at-bats that season, Williams posted a .288/.338/.473 slash line with 12 home runs and 55 RBI accumulating a 1.6 oWAR.
Over a full season, many hoped and expected Williams to take a step forward in 2018. However, he seemed to the opposite. In 94 more at-bats, Williams only had five more home runs with five fewer runs batted in while seeing all his averages take a major dip. Williams also struggled defensively, committing the fifth-most errors by a right fielder with a career defensive WAR of -4.0.
Of the Phillies players potentially on the trade block, Williams would likely generate the best return value. The 25-year-old has already shown plenty of potential at the major-league level and would likely continue to deliver off the bench for the Phillies even in a reduced role. Williams has shown the ability to any of the three outfield spots, primarily in right last season.
Now with a notable new name poised to start in right field, the outfield is looking quite crowded. With Harper, Herrera and McCutchen likely starting and prospects Mickey Moniak and Adam Haseley moving up in the system, it seems like only a matter of time before Williams is moved. It seems now the only question is if Williams will be traded now, in July or next offseason.
Aaron Altherr
Between Aaron Altherr, Williams and the speedy Roman Quinn, one of the young outfielders is bound to go. Unfortunately, Altherr’s trade value is not at its highest point right now. The 28 year old struggled mightily to start the 2018 season, getting sent down to Triple A Lehigh Valley for a significant part of the season. This used Altherr’s last minor league option. The outfielder batted below the Mendoza line at .181 with only eight home runs. Altherr’s K% leaped from 25% in 2017 to 32% last season. Including some defensive struggles Altherr was good for -0.8 wins in 2018.
More from Phillies News
- Philadelphia Phillies: Most impactful transactions in 2022
- How will Rob Thomson manage the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen in 2023?
- How Phillies’ Ranger Suárez is set to build on 2022 postseason dominance
- What can Philadelphia Phillies expect from Bryson Stott in 2023?
- 3 Reasons to get excited for Phillies’ Craig Kimbrel signing
Similar to Williams, Altherr did have a very good 2017. Prior to the All Star game, Altherr was batting .284 with 14 homers and 44 RBI in what was a solid All Star campaign. Altherr’s downhill trend starting after that, batting .240 to finish the year with only five more home runs. He finished the season third in home runs and runs batted in, fifth in runs scored and stolen bases, and sixth in hits and doubles amongst Phillies.
After his 2018 struggles and a slow start to spring training, it looks like Altherr could soon be on the move. Since he did use his final minor league option last season he cannot be sent down to Lehigh Valley or Reading without clearing waivers. Altherr could potentially be used in a trade if the Phillies check back in on Rangers pitcher Mike Minor, which is currently unlikely. Altherr will likely see little playing time in 2019 with the Phillies if he is not released.
Adam Morgan
The bullpen is another part of the team Matt Klentak improved this offseason by adding David Robertson, Jose Alvarez, James Pazos and Juan Nicasio. With guys like Tommy Hunter, Hector Neris, Pat Neshek and Seranthony Dominguez all returning, it seems like there will be more names than spots for the bullpen. With the team potentially making a move for free agent closer Craig Kimbrel, there could be as many as 15 pitchers fighting for a major-league spot.
More from That Balls Outta Here
- Philadelphia Phillies: Most impactful transactions in 2022
- How will Rob Thomson manage the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen in 2023?
- How Phillies’ Ranger Suárez is set to build on 2022 postseason dominance
- What can Philadelphia Phillies expect from Bryson Stott in 2023?
- 3 Reasons to get excited for Phillies’ Craig Kimbrel signing
2018 was Adam Morgan’s best season going 0-2 with a 3.83 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 49.1 innings pitched. In 75 prior appearances, 36 starts, Morgan was 10-21 with a 5.10 ERA and totaled 0.4 wins above replacement in three seasons. Morgan was one of the lone lefties in the Phillies bullpen and staff over the previous four seasons and has had major inconsistency issues during that span.
Since his full time move to the bullpen in 2017, Morgan has found more success. With an ERA just below 4.00 and K/9 of 9.8. Despite that, Morgan likely will be losing his spot to some new arms and could be relocated before Opening Day.
Next. The case for two Phillies trophies this year. dark
After what might be one of the best offseasons, ever there is still work to be done. Time will tell if even more additions will be made, but some players will have to be moved to make room for the newbies. Hopefully, Klentak will be able to get something for the pieces to keep improving this team for the short and long-term.