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

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.