Phillies have Acquired SP Kyle Gibson, RP Ian Kennedy SP Hans Crouse from the Rangers for Spencer Howard, Kevin Gowdy and Josh Gessner

[bkox]

Phillies get Kyle Gibson, Ian Kennedy and Hans Crouse from Texas for Spencer Howard and 2 prospects. Confirming multiple reports. @Ken_Rosenthal @JeffPassan

— Jim Salisbury ( @JSalisburyNBCS ) July 30, 2021

The #Rangers are also sending about $4 million to the #Phillies , along with these three pitchers, in this trade.

So for now, the Phillies remain safely under the tax threshold.

— Jayson Stark ( @jaysonst ) July 30, 2021

[zambonir]

Well that's not nothing at least.

[bkox]

I hope this wasnt premature again lol. Some others on twitter saying its close but not done.

[bkox]

Spencer Howard is going to the Rangers in the deal for Kyle Gibson and Ian Kennedy, sources tell ESPN. He’ll be joined by two other prospects going from Philadelphia to Texas.

— Jeff Passan ( @JeffPassan ) July 30, 2021

[bkox]

Spencer Howard is currently on the field at PNC Park with the other Phillies pitchers.

— Matt Breen ( @matt_breen ) July 30, 2021

[zambonir]

That hurts a little, but probably won't regret it. Another injury or a bullpen move still feels like it's in Howard's future. Kennedy's been pretty solid (this year and in 2019) and Gibson is with us next year, correct?

[gmwannabe]

He's not on the field anymore.

[Patchmk88]

Gibson with more years of a 5 plus ERA than one under 4 in his career. I honestly hate this trade.

[bkox]

Gibson is with us next year, correct?

yes.. Salary of 7.6M and 1,5M in potential bonus according to BBREF

[bkox]

Gelb just said he was hugging his teammates before leaving

[zambonir]

Supposedly the Phillies have been interested in Gibson for years, and it's not like the pro scouts or Assistant GMs have changed.

[BostonRoss]

Gelb just said he was hugging his teammates before leaving

I hope he's vaccinated.

[Patchmk88]

Even more depressing that we’ve been interested in him for years. With our eye for talent, that means we’ve definitely overvalued him.

[andyb]

A parting gift?

[bkox]

We drafted Gibson in 2006 but we didnt sign him

[zambonir]

Uh-oh, is this a Gillick move?

[andyb]

The question is whether the Phillies are selling low on Howard.

Or whether the Phillies have seen Howard and realize his body could not handle the high velocity starter role (with all the mechanical tweaks they put in to keep him healthy). Reality is he sits 93-94 for 2-3 innings these days touching 96. He used to sit 96-97 and touch 99 in the 7th inning. Big difference.

[gmwannabe]

Yes andy, what happened? shoulder?

[andyb]

what happened? shoulder?

Yes.

Phillies' Spencer Howard: Returns from shoulder injury

Phillies’ Spencer Howard has shoulder injury that may cost him rest of the...

They have shut him down several times over the last 3 years. Now some of that could be because they are being extra cautious with a top prospect, but he clearly is not what he once was (to my amateur eye anyway).

[gmwannabe]

Shame. from having the "best fastball in the draft" to being traded for a 6 ERA pitcher (one who has had increased stats since the umpires checking)