2018 Trade Deadline rumors/speculation

[zambonir]

I think it's time. Starting with this

Jon Morosi (jonmorosi)

[California_Dreamin]

Interesting that Hamels is being mentioned, much like MM', as a pre All Star game possibility. I sense that teams don't want to wait till the last days before the deadline to pull off big moves. I think this is directly attributable to the Wild Card, more teams have chances and want to make moves sooner.

By the way, I do not see the O's moving MM before the AS game, he is likely to make the roster and it would be a major black eye to deal him before he plays, not to mention it likely increases his value thismuch.

[andyb]

Since the salary is often paid for in these trades (it is a sunk cost for the trading team), they will get more prospect value back for 80 games as opposed to 50 games. Obviously the Phillies have a different equation since they are not near the luxury tax line, but I think you make a decision about whether you can compete and then there is little downside to moving as quickly as possible.

For us I am less into Hamels now than a few months ago. Eflin stepping up and Pivetta being good fairly consistently has made me think it is a lesser priority. Need a 3B/SS first. Bullpen second. Utility might take care of itself depending on whether we retain guys like Crawford and Franco in the larger trades. A healthy Crawford (and maybe even Quinn) backing up Machado and Kingery gives them a good and flexible infield.

[Philsmania]

Since the salary is often paid for in these trades (it is a sunk cost for the trading team), they will get more prospect value back for 80 games as opposed to 50 games. Obviously the Phillies have a different equation since they are not near the luxury tax line, but I think you make a decision about whether you can compete and then there is little downside to moving as quickly as possible.

For us I am less into Hamels now than a few months ago. Eflin stepping up and Pivetta being good fairly consistently has made me think it is a lesser priority. Need a 3B/SS first. Bullpen second. Utility might take care of itself depending on whether we retain guys like Crawford and Franco in the larger trades. A healthy Crawford (and maybe even Quinn) backing up Machado and Kingery gives them a good and flexible infield.

It would be nice to get a lefty, though.

[California_Dreamin]

Agree, andyb, and frankly I don't think the Phils are even focusing on Hamels now. They have lefty options in LHV [Irvin, Suarez, Leibrandt] and it seems bullpen is a greater priority pitching wise. Personally, I think until he is traded elsewhere or the Phils collapse, I think Machado is 1 and Britton 1A.

[EDmuch]

If we were to "win" the Machado race, it seems likely that one of our current infielders (probably Crawford) would be going to Baltimore as part of our package along with a couple of good pitching prospects and another position player from our minors (although I have no doubt that we would add Cozens if teh O's ask for him).

And I do agree that in return Britton would be part of the package we receive along with Machado. Then we might need only one more solid reliever and we would be set.

[California_Dreamin]

Interesting that EDmuch mentions Cozens as a possible add in. He is starting tonight in RF, probably means nothing. Frankly, I didn't realize he was on the big league roster,

[zambonir]

I don't think it's especially "likely" that one of the current IFs would go to Baltimore, though it's certainly possible. If Britton gets included that package is probably fair.

I am not willing to trade Crawford unless they feel really confident that Machado is next year's SS. In fact I'd sooner trade Kingery (unless they intend to trade Hernandez). Really, none of the current candidates are optimal as next year's 3B, with or without Machado.

I'm still intrigued by Hamels but if the Rangers are going to move early seems doubtful the Phillies will want to do that, since SP is the lowest need.

[California_Dreamin]

Ironic, but Britton may end up being the key to getting a deal for MM done. O's will be motivated to include him in a deal and I doubt the Dodgers or Cubs are in need of a closer. Phils are, especially one who is left handed.

I do believe one of Crawford, Kingery or Hernandez would be included, though I am unsure which one would appeal to the O's most...probably one of the first two since Swoops is established at 2b in Baltimore.

[California_Dreamin]

Meant Schoop.

[EDmuch]

Let's see the FO gave Kingery a six year contract. They did not give Crawford anything like that. So who do you think our FO would be looking to include in the trade?

[andyb]

I do believe one of Crawford, Kingery or Hernandez would be included, though I am unsure which one would appeal to the O's most...probably one of the first two since Swoops is established at 2b in Baltimore.

Franco is a possibility also, especially if we give up a top pitcher like Medina or De Los Santos. Beckham could play SS in Baltimore. Of course they should want Crawford or Kingery. I still think that should be our long term middle infield, trading Cesar for something else. I really want Machado at 3B even if that is where we migrate him to next year. This year matters less as we are putting a mediocre defensive SS out there at the moment.

[zambonir]

But they don't seem willing to play Kingery at 3B, whereas a Franco/Crawford platoon could happen there, this year and next year. I don't really think they are in an hurry to move Kingery but if you are keeping Hernandez and you have Machado playing SS you can't rule it out. If you do trade Hernandez next year then Kingery is 2B but, barring another FA move, that still leaves Crawford as your primary 3B (since RH pitching is more prevalent and we know this front office values his skill set more than Franco's).

More importantly, does Machado (and no other addition in the OF) help this year's offense so much that you can live with Kingery, Crawford and Franco at 3B even this year? 'Cause again, if you're putting in all your chips, how much would Beltre really cost?

[andyb]

We seem to be having some serious discussions around Moustakas:

Royals scouts eye Phils' minor-league system in prep for possible Moustakas...

Probably the least expensive option we could acquire. Wonder if they would do it straight up for Franco? Royals need low cost control.

[California_Dreamin]

andyb...I saw this also and wondered if this was a tiny way for the Phils to let Baltimore know they have other options...last week it was Beltre. Truth be told, Moustakas sure doesn't seem like the type of offensive player the Phils covet...yes, he has good power and hits left handed but his OBP is almost Franco like and he is a free agent [represented by Boras] at the end of the year so this would likely be a real short term move.

OTOH, he would likely not cost much in prospects [article says the Royals re scouring the Phils system.] I don't think this is where Franco ends up, I believe the Phils would move him for a reliever [likely SD] after they made this deal.

[Lucky_Beagle]

per mlbtraderumors.......Tigers right-hander Michael Fulmer is drawing a lot of interest from not just contenders like the Phillies, Dodgers and Yankees, but also from rebuilding teams like the Padres.

[zambonir]

Well Fulmer is certainly the kind of player the Phillies would be interested in though I'm not sure they could pay the freight right now. Controllable until 2023. I would think one of Kingery/Crawford or Williams/Altherr would have to be in play there.

Moustakas or Beltre both make sense as cheaper rentals, and the Phillies could definitely use Moustakas's power even if Beltre's profile seems more Klentak-like. Moustakas could also be re-signed, of course, depending how they decided to go next year. Don't think the FA market for him is going to be that much better than it was this year. If they decide they like him and want him there'd be a deal to make. Boras is their pal now!

I'm not gonna lose any sleep if they don't get Machado this year. If that's the call they make I trust it's because the price is too high, and because they still feel good about their history and $$$ to get him in the off-season. Sure, whoever trades him might keep him but that's what everyone thought about the Dodgers and Yu too. Those teams are not necessarily in the same position to offer the richest contract ever (barring if Harper beats it).

The other reason to prefer Moustakas or Beltre is you can make the deal now if you want. I don't really believe the Orioles will be able to pull the trigger on Machado early.

[tom81]

Well the Phillies will be mentioned as interested in anybody and everybody right now. I think anything is really possible now and only a few of our guys are untouchable, Nola, Hoskins, Seranthon...

There are also a lot of guys that would help that people just aren’t thinking about. Brandon Drury from the Yankees might be a fit and certainly Suárez from the Reds and Rosario from the Twins would look great. We do have lots of pitching that we could trade and trading one of Velazquez, Pivetta, or Eflin for position help and then trading for say Happ or Hamels could happen. It should be a fun period if speculation.

[zambonir]

I think it's more likely to be pitcher for pitcher in that case. But for sure, if you go after Happ or Hamels or Fulmer you can include one of those three guys. And you still have Eickhoff and De Los Santos in case of emergency (if they aren't traded too).

[flyers19rw]

If Detroit needs anything, it's pitching. If they move Fulmer, expect at least two top grade pitching prospects going in the other direction.