Philadelphia Phillies: 3 players to trade before the deadline
The 2021 season has been the same as each of the previous four years for the Philadelphia Phillies. They entered the season with high expectations, aiming for a playoff berth once again. But once again, they have failed to live up to those lofty goals.
Even though they have yet to reach the midpoint of their season, they are guaranteed a losing record over the first half of the year. The Phillies sit in fourth place in the NL East, and are essentially an afterthought in the chase for the Wild Card.
Three players for the Philadelphia Phillies to trade
As has been the case every year, the Phillies’ flawed roster has led to their downfall. They still need pieces in the bullpen, the back of the rotation is a mess, and the lineup is not nearly good enough to overcome those issues. However, that does not mean that they are devoid of talent, or players that could bring back pieces for the future. Should the Phillies decide to run the white flag on the season, they could be one of the more interesting teams at the trade deadline.
Let’s take a look at three players the Philadelphia Phillies could trade.
Vince Velasquez
Vince Velasquez may be the most maddening pitcher on the Philadephia Phillies roster. It certainly does not help that they do not quite know what to do with him.
After beginning his career as a starter, he has bounced between the rotation and the bullpen in each of the past three seasons. He has shown flashes of brilliance over the years, but has been unable to put together a sustained run where he lives up to his expectations when he first reached the majors.
The 2021 season has been a typical year for Velasquez. He has posted a 4.22 ERA and a 1.281 WHiP over his 64 innings, striking out 71 batters with 33 walks. Those numbers are just below average, much the same as his overall career has been.
It is entirely possible that a change of scenery will unlock his potential. Velasquez has the pure stuff to be a solid piece in either a rotation or a bullpen, but has not been able to do so in Philadephia. He would be a rental for the final few months of the season, but his stuff gives him the potential to be a solid addition.
Vince Velasquez has been unable to put everything together with the Philadelphia Phillies. However, he could be a reasonable gamble at the trade deadline.
Hector Neris
One of the great ironies about the Philadelphia Phillies at the trade deadline is that they have a bullpen option that could be in high demand. Considering how their bullpen has been a major part of their downfall, the idea that one of their relievers could bring back useful pieces is an interesting notion.
But that is the case with Hector Neris. He is another pitcher who has been unable to settle into a role with the Phillies, given ample opportunity to claim the closer role every year. However, his inconsistencies and occasional blowups lead to his losing that role every year as well.
Neris usually posts decent enough numbers every year, and 2021 is no exception. He has posted a 3.52 ERA and a 1.272 WHiP over his 30.2 innings, striking out 37 batters with 14 walks. He does have 11 saves, but has also blown six opportunities, making him a somewhat shaky option for the ninth inning.
That does not mean that he could not help the back of a bullpen. Neris may be better suited for a seventh or eighth inning role on a contending team, helping as part of the bridge to the ninth. He would be another rental as well, with the acquiring team able to cut ties after the season if he does not work out.
Hector Neris may not be the right option for the ninth inning. However, that does not mean that he cannot help a contending team looking for help in the bullpen.
Andrew McCutchen
Andrew McCutchen may not be the player that he once was, but he is still the type of veteran outfielder that can help a team down the stretch.
The former NL MVP still has some pop in his bat and enough speed to be a weapon. Although he has moved over to left with the Phillies, McCutchen is capable of playing all three outfield spots, even if he would best be considered a last resort in center at this point.
Even if his defense is declining, the bat is still there. His .227/.346/.426 batting line may not seem impressive, but that is worth a 114 OPS+ this season. He has also hit 13 homers and nine doubles while stealing five bases, showing the type of pop and speed that a team could use.
In theory, McCutchen would be more than a rental. He has a $15 million option for next season, although that is unlikely to be picked up. However, for a team looking for an upgrade, either in the outfield or at the designated hitter spot, McCutchen could help over the final few months.
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Andrew McCutchen may not be the player he once was, but the Philadelphia Phillies outfielder could still help a team looking to make a playoff push.