Phillies: Trading for pitching

When it comes to defense, Freddy Galvis is a top shortstop. In fact, any contender needing a premier glove would have interest, but they would probably hold onto the pitching the Phils want. And the end result again would be a deal requiring an additional player or hurler. On the other hand, moving Galvis would leave Cesar Hernandez as the only counted-on infielder to the first baseman’s right. Maikel Franco, J.P. Crawford and Kingery are question marks for the Show until they prove otherwise.

Even though Hernandez is the most attractive Phillie available, would he alone bring back a mid-rotation piece? Well, the Los Angeles Dodgers need a second baseman, and they have the arms. But the hurlers they’d swap for Hernandez have injury-plagued histories. Additionally, leaving Galvis as the only proven infielder to the first sacker’s right will only be worth it if the organization picks up a healthy starter.

"EASIER SAID THAN DONE: “Trade a player a year too early rather than a year too late.” – Branch Rickey"

Next: GM's Plans for 2018's Phillies

Finding a club needing two of these four players or one and an arm requires a staff like the one reporting to general manager Matt Klentak. And this doesn’t include a three-way deal, which would be too complex for an in-depth analysis here. Basically, a trade for a two-slot starter is a monumental task, but inking the right free agent would allow management to evaluate in-house youngsters for open spots in the rotation. And, of course, MacPhail only clarified what is obvious as a deke, but what did ownership tell him regarding an excellent opportunity? Spend money!