The latest Phillies trade rumor has them circling back to a Rangers pitcher
Another Phillies trade rumor has emerged regarding Texas Rangers pitcher Mike Minor, a player the team has coveted for over a year.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB.com, the Phillies and Brewers are scouting Minor’s start on Friday night against the Houston Astros.
Both the Phillies and Brewers are in desperate need of starting pitching as the July 31 trade deadline approaches.
The #Phillies and #Braves are interested in #Rangers LHP Mike Minor, as we reported earlier in the week, and both teams have scouts watching his start tonight. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 20, 2019
This Phillies trade rumor comes the same day veteran Drew Smyly was signed as a free agent after the Rangers let him go.
Smyly had an 8.42 ERA in 13 games for Texas this season after missing the last two years due to injury.
Minor has a 2.73 ERA in 19 starts for Texas in his first All-Star season, all while leading the league with a 186 ERA+. He’s struck out 121 batters and walked just 44 this season.
Minor did get roughed up a bit in the start against Houston, giving up back-to-back home runs.
Yordan Alvarez's 474 ft moonshot is the farthest HR by an @astros player in the Statcast era (since 2015). pic.twitter.com/lDBPpCPf8M
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) July 20, 2019
Philadelphia is desperate for a left-handed starter in their lackluster rotation, currently only highlighted by Aaron Nola. Jake Arrieta couldn’t get out of the sixth inning in Pittsburgh on Friday night after allowing just one run.
Nick Pivetta was relegated to the bullpen to make room for Smyly, while Vince Velasquez has earned yet another chance to be a starter.
The 31-year-old Minor would not only help a team this year, but also next with $9.5 million remaining on his contract for next year. Philadelphia, currently hanging onto one of the National Leauge’s last playoff spots, can acquire Minor while not going all-in on just this season.
Reports are that the Phillies would have to pay a hefty price to add Minor, although it’s unlikely the team trades top prospect Alec Bohm, who has moved quickly through the farm system.