The Philadelphia Phillies (9-17) have the third-worst record in the MLB behind the Texas Rangers and Milwaukee Brewers. The Rangers traded for outfielder Josh Hamilton and the Brewers fired manager Ron Roenicke, so what change will the Phillies endure?
Trades involving Cole Hamels, Jonathan Papelbon and/or Chase Utley would seemingly be the next step, but there have been no recent buyers looking to make a deal for these three costly veterans. As a result, general manager Ruben Amaro is waiting for another club to desperately need a starting pitcher, closer or second baseman before the trade deadline.
"There are several teams in need of starting pitching, and the Phillies, according to one official, are 'waiting with open arms' for a trade partner, be it for Cole Hamels and/or Jonathan Papelbon, or even second baseman Chase Utley, who has 10/5 status," writes Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.
"What people don't understand is nobody is holding a gun to our head to trade a player," Amaro said. "Typically, if a team wants a player, they typically will try to go get that player. If you really wanted to make a trade with the Phillies or any other club, you would be the aggressor."
Cafardo noted the Phillies continue to scout the farm system of the Boston Red Sox, specifically outfielder Manuel Margot and catcher Blake Swihart (who was promoted to the MLB over the weekend), but it's unlikely Sox GM Ben Cherington parts with either of those players.
Recent injuries to New York Yankees starter Masahiro Tanaka, Los Angeles Dodgers starter Brandon McCarthy and St. Louis Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright have spurred trade rumors for each of these clubs regarding Hamels, but sources said no teams have contacted the Phillies about the left-hander since the end of March.
As for Papelbon, a number of clubs are having bullpen issues and a trade for the veteran right-hander could be an option, but he's owed $13 million this season and another $13 million in 2016 if he finishes 48 games this year. Many are hesitant to commit to a two-year, $26 million deal for a 34-year-old closer, even though he's off to a great start in 2015.
Utley's contract is even more complicated because he's guaranteed $15 million this season, but could make $15 million in each of the three seasons that follow if he makes at least 500 plate appearances in each preceding season. This could make him a four-year, $60 million commitment, and considering he's off to a terrible start in 2015 (.108/.181/.217 with six runs scored, three home runs and 14 RBIs), it's highly unlikely there's much demand for him at this point.
Amaro may have to wait until teams get desperate in June or July as the trade deadline gets closer.
