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Phillies: 3 best trade targets from MLBTR’s Top 25 list

By George Stockburger

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 20: Phillies general manager Matt Klentak of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on prior to the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park on September 20, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 20: Phillies general manager Matt Klentak of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on prior to the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park on September 20, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 18: Ken Giles #51 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the game on April 18, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Blue Jays defeated the Twins 7-4. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Ken Giles, RP

Former Phillies reliever Ken Giles is atop the MLB Trade Rumors trade list this offseason after a strong season for the Toronto Blue Jays.

In 53 games Giles had a 1.87 ERA with 83 strikeouts, some of the best numbers he’s posted since his time in Philadelphia. This turnaround comes after a tumultuous tenure in Houston where he had a 4.99 ERA in 2018, went on a dugout rampage, and showed up his manager while being taken out of a game.

Giles remains a relatively sound option financially, making less than $9 million as a set-up man/closer. His contract ranks about 26th in average annual value for relievers, less than what Adam Ottavino and Jeurys Familia signed for last offseason.

“100 Mile Giles” was a fan favorite during his time with the Phillies; a highly-touted prospect flashing tremendous velocity, he became the Phillies most valuable piece during their rebuild. Neither the Astros or Phillies really made out great in the deal (which included Mark Appel and Vince Velasquez), and fans were sad to see a potential All-Star closer go at a young age.

This year’s free agent reliever market is incredibly weak, especially after Kenley Jansen and Aroldis Chapman were taken off the market early in the offseason. Currently, the two best options are Dellin Betances and Blake Treinen, both coming off injuries. Will Harris is 35 years old and Sergio Romo is 37.

Giles might be the best option on either market right now, and a reunion to beef up the Phillies bullpen makes sense.

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