The Philadelphia Phillies (46-59) are in last place in the NL Eastern Division by 12.5 games and are 11 games out of the competitive wild-card race that is currently led by the Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants. With playoffs hopes essentially lost, will the Phillies attempt to get rid of high-salary players?
Cliff Lee has been the subject of trade talks ever since he was activated from the disabled list last week, especially among contending MLB teams who are in need of a pitcher with experience. In his first start since May 18, a number of teams sent scouts to Philadelphia last Monday to watch Lee pitch against the Giants. The Phillies' starter showed some rust after surrendering 12 hits and six runs in just 5 2/3 innings. He showed slight improvement on Saturday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, lasting five innings while giving up nine hits and three earned runs in a no-decision. Although not impressive, teams must now decide if they believe Lee is worth trading prospects along with paying the $50-plus million he is owed over the next two years as the trade deadline is just three days away.
Ryan Howard, the Phillies' longtime first baseman, is also involved in trade talks since being benched two games in a row last week for his slumping play. Howard is batting just .227, but his power numbers (16 home runs and 62 RBIs) could attract potential suitors. The Phillies are likely burdened with his declining performance and excessive salary - he is owed $25 million in 2015, $25 million in 2016, and has a club option for $23 million in 2017. With an aging lineup (Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Marlon Byrd, A.J. Burnett, and others), the Phillies are looking to rebuild and get value for players such as Lee and Howard who can provide veteran leadership and experience late in the season for contending teams.
Jonathan Papelbon is another player that Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro has been considering sending off to a new team. With their poor play and diminished playoff hopes, there is little reason for the front office to be paying their closer $13 million in 2015 and potentially $13 million in 2016 if Papelbon happens to reach milestones specified in his contract. His extensive playoff experience (two World Series Championships with the Boston Red Sox), could convince some teams in need bullpen help (i.e. San Francisco Giants or Baltimore Orioles) to pick up the phone and ask Amaro what Papelbon's price is.
And lastly, perhaps reluctant to do so, Philadelphia might be pressured into trading ace Cole Hamels because his consistency this season is drawing the most interest. Hamels holds a 2.72 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP in 18 starts this season, but is his record is only 5-5. He is the most valuable trade piece the Phillies possess compared to the other high-salary players they have on the roster - Hamels will be earning $22.5 million per year through 2018 with a club option for $20 million in 2019. If a number of teams sent scouts to watch Cliff Lee last week, there's no question they also have interest in Hamels.
The trade deadline is Thursday, July 31 at 4 p.m., and with a tight race this year, some interesting deals can be executed between now and then. Check out ESPN's MLB Rumors page to stay up to date with trade talks.
