3 Trevor Story trades Phillies should pursue with Rockies
By Matt Rappa
3. Phillies send Bryson Stott, Rafael Marchan, and Casey Martin
In this hypothetical trade, the Phillies would be sending their top hitting prospect in Bryson Stott (No. 2-ranked), their top catching prospect in Rafael Marchan (No. 7-ranked), and their third-round pick from the 2020 draft, No. 8-ranked team prospect Casey Martin.
Losing Stott and Marchan would be hard to swallow. The Phillies have so much praise for both. But, consider them acquiring Story (and likely extending the soon-to-be free-agent), and already having J.T. Realmuto under contract through 2025. With Andrew Knapp as the Phillies’ backup, Marchan would see minimal-to-no time in the majors, barring an injury. Essentially, Stott’s and Marchan’s positions that they would thrive at the most, shortstop and catcher, would be blocked by All-Star talent for years to come.
As of now, Stott is projected to reach the majors in 2022, and would provide the rebuilding Rockies a top-quality prospect that is not too far away from making an impact. Marchan debuted in 2020 for the Phillies and was able to slug his first professional home run. But, he is more known for his defensive ability.
Considering the Phillies already traded away one of their four 2020 draft picks this offseason — right-hander Carson Ragsdale to the San Francisco Giants to acquire hard-throwing bullpen arm Sam Coonrod — the Phillies parting ways with infielder Casey Martin would mean only half of their 2020 draft picks would remain in the organization, right-hander Mick Abel and slugger hopeful Baron Radcliff.
Martin’s versatility and projection to have power at the plate could be intriguing to any team looking to pluck one of the Phillies’ better prospects. The Rockies losing two power-hitters in Story and Arenado would surely turn their attention right away to Martin, too.