Trade bait: 4 top prospects Phillies should consider putting on the trade block

Griff McGarry, RHP, No. 5 prospect

Griff McGarry, a 24-year-old right-handed pitcher, is one of the top arms in the Phillies farm system just behind the two top guys, Andrew Painter and Mick Abel. McGarry has a five-pitch repertoire but focuses on his three plus pitches: his fastball (55/60 grade), slider (55/60 grade), and change-up (55/60 grade).

The former fifth-round draft pick's fastball sits 95-97 mph and has reached 100 mph with the ability to blow past hitters. You can see his nasty stuff from a 10-strikeout game he recorded in July this season:

But McGarry has his weaknesses, which are apparent as soon as you watch him. His command is one of the worst in the minors, grading out at 30/35. In 2023, over 16 games played between Double- and Triple-A, he surrendered five-plus walks in five outings, including four games where he lasted two innings or less. With the Reading Fightin Phils, he made 13 starts and carried a 5.93 BB/9 over 54 2/3 innings.

The Phillies No. 5 prospect's raw pitching ability is electric and jumps off the screen. He has the skill to be an impact big league player, and if an organization can get him to harness his command and keep his walks down, they'll find themselves with a diamond in the rough.

Carlos De La Cruz, OF/1B, No. 6 prospect

Carlos De La Cruz is one of the most intriguing prospects in the Phillies farm system. Standing at 6-foot-8, he has an intimidating presence, and his raw abilities are astonishing to watch. When he gets a hold of a ball, it leaps off the bat and flies.

In 129 games at the Double-A level, the right-handed De La Cruz hit 24 home runs, accumulated 67 RBI, and a respectable 54 walks. But he struck out 160 times at a 27.5 percent rate, which is just not going to cut it at the next level. That being said, the 27.5 percent strikeout rate is the lowest of his career and down from a career-high 40.3 percent in 2021 while in A-level ball.

There has been constant improvement from De La Cruz, and he has shown he’s willing to work. The big problem for the Phillies is that he projects out to a corner outfield spot or first base, both of which are occupied for the foreseeable future and are likely the easiest to replace on the free agent market at the lowest cost.

With the clog at the positions he plays, there may be an organization that is intrigued by his raw power and skill and think they can develop him enough to be a contributor in the Majors for a long time.

Johan Rojas, OF

While not technically a prospect any longer, Johan Rojas is still green enough to find a place on this list.

Rojas earned his spot as the everyday center fielder this season and into the playoffs, mainly because of his stellar defense. Who can forget him tracking down the ball, up against the wall in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Atlanta Braves with the game on the line against the NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr.?

Rojas is one of those special defensive talents that make even the hardest of plays seem simple. His speed is a valuable asset in the outfield but also on the base paths, swiping 14 bases in just 59 games at the big league level.

But in order to be a menace on the bases, he has to get hits and get on base. Rojas made the jump from Double-A to the Majors, and it may have been premature from an offensive standpoint. In 13 games during the playoffs, his lack of offense was exposed, slashing .093/.114/.276. Providing just about nothing at the plate proved to be detrimental.

It’s clear the Phillies organization values the young 23-year-old center fielder, but that also means some other teams will as well. He was a top 10 Phillies prospect before losing his status, and with his experience in the Majors, he may be the highest-valued position player prospect in the organization who can garner a lot of trade capital.

There may be an opportunity for the Phillies to have him as a centerpiece of a trade package and flip him for a bonafide starter. He’s one of those young players that trading too early could come back to haunt the Phillies, but that’s exactly why they may want to capitalize on his value today.

Símon Muzziotti, OF, No. 8 prospect

Símon Muzziotti, a 24-year-old left-handed outfielder, has been in the Phillies farm system since 2016. He has gradually climbed the ranks, getting better and better each year. He finally reached Triple-A in 2022, playing five games for Lehigh Valley, before getting a full season with the IronPigs in 2023.

He didn't disappoint this past year, slashing .296/.358/.761. He doesn’t have much power to speak of, only hitting seven home runs, but he had kept his walk rate at a solid 8.6 percent and his strikeouts to a relatively low 15.5 percent rate over 124 games. His bat-to-ball skill is where he contributes the most and he plays a plus outfield, showcasing his speed and defensive instincts.

For whatever reason, the Phillies haven't given Muzziotti an extended look at the Major League level — he had nine games in 2022 in which he hit .143 — and would likely be one of the first players to go in a potential trade.

Muzziotti's ready to contribute to a big league club, whether as a fourth outfielder or being given a chance to prove his recent development can translate to being an everyday player. Teams that might not necessarily be in World Series contention would value his versatility and the potential that he could continue to develop into a serviceable, less expensive piece.

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