The Phillies should trade Gabriel Rincones Jr. at the deadline
To avoid having five-tool sensation Crawford part of any trade talks, the Phillies will ultimately need to make another top position prospect available if they intend to significantly upgrade at the trade deadline. The sacrificial candidate should be No. 9 prospect Gabriel Rincones Jr.
Rincones was selected in the third round in 2022. Following a solid season between Single- and High-A in 2023, in which he hit .248 with 81 runs, 31 doubles, 15 home runs, 60 RBI and 32 stolen bases, Rincones has missed the majority of the 2024 season with a thumb injury. In the 13 games he appeared in with the Fightin Phils this year, he batted .291 with 13 runs scored, four home runs and five RBI in 13 games.
With the long layoff from his injury, his expected arrival time in the big leagues could be delayed until towards the end of the 2025 season and perhaps into 2026. That would put him in line with Crawford's ETA.
With Nick Castellanos, Johan Rojas and Brandon Marsh likely still around at that point in time, the Phillies can afford to give up one of their promising outfield prospects. Given that Rincones' defensive capabilities are considerably behind Crawford, whether it be arm strength, tracking or speed, the Phillies should keep hold of the most well-rounded player in Crawford and make Rincones a trade chip.