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

With the Philadelphia Phillies core and the majority of the lineup locked in for the 2024 season, the front office will have to get creative to make significant upgrades. Dave Dombrowski has already come out and said he's focused on fringe roster moves rather than a big splash. But Dombrowski has been known to keep his cards close to his chest, and he is, most definitely, not afraid to take a big leap in the trade market.

The Phillies are in a bit more unfamiliar territory this offseason than in the past. They have four Top 100 prospects as ranked by MLB Pipeline, with a few others just outside the Top 100. The organization has the prospect depth and the financial wherewithal to go out to the trade market and make a big splash this offseason.

The big question that plagues the Phillies and most other World Series contending teams is, how much of the future do you mortgage to capitalize on a window that is clearly open today? Phillies fans will remember the early 2010s when Ruben Amaro Jr. depleted the farm system to make major upgrades in the hopes of capturing another World Series title, just for it to fail and kick off an 11-year playoff drought. It’s a fine line that MLB front offices have to tiptoe constantly.

But there's no doubt that the Phillies are in a prime window of opportunity to win the World Series.

We recently looked at the top prospects the Phillies should absolutely not include in a trade. While one of the most difficult jobs of a front office is to upgrade the Major League team without sacrificing too much of the farm system and the future, Dave Dombrowski and general manager Sam Fuld will surely turn over every rock to do so. The four prospects listed here might be a good place to start.

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.

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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