After the official signing of the world class pitcher the Philadelphia Phillies need a replacement in the pitching role before heading into the new season
The Philadelphia Phillies are grappling with uncertainties in their outfield following center fielder Brandon Marsh’s recent knee surgery. In addressing some lingering roster concerns, there’s speculation that the team may pursue a trade for Kyle Tucker, a standout right fielder renowned for his stellar performances.
Tucker, who clinched the 2022 Gold Glove Award and secured a spot on the 2023 All-MLB Team, has emerged as one of the premier players in his position. With accolades like the Silver Slugger Award and multiple All-Star selections under his belt, Tucker’s impending free agency after the upcoming season is expected to command significant attention and a lucrative contract.
Zachary Rotman of FanSided recently delved into more about a potential Tucker to the Phillies trade.
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“The Phillies are a team willing to spend big money on a player of Tucker’s caliber, and they have prospects Houston might want next offseason. While it’s unlikely that their top prospect, Andrew Painter, will be available for a rental, even for a player as good as Tucker, but players like Justin Crawford, Mick Abel and Aiden Miller could all be of interest for Houston.”
While Tucker’s future earnings are projected to reach nine figures, the Phillies could find themselves in a position to secure his services for the long haul, potentially beyond 2024. Although top pitching prospect Painter is unlikely to be included in any trade discussions due to his injury history, the team boasts a promising pool of talent in prospects such as Crawford, Abel, and Miller.
Crawford stands out as the Phillies’ top non-pitching prospect, showcasing exceptional speed and the potential to solidify the center field position for years to come. Meanwhile, Miller exhibits promising power at the plate, hinting at his future as a formidable third baseman. Abel, ranked second overall in the team’s prospect pool, brings his prowess as a right-handed pitcher, poised for a potential debut in the major leagues in 2024.
Insider reports from Howard Eskin suggest that Crawford’s inclusion in trade talks for Cleveland Guardians reliever Emmanuel Clase was off the table, indicating the Phillies’ commitment to their budding talent.
However, with the possibility of acquiring Tucker, the team may reassess its stance, viewing him as a compelling addition to bolster their outfield lineup.
2023 Braves first-round draft pick Hurston Waldrep made a statement in his first eight starts of professional ball last year, recordig a 1.53 ERA and 12.6 K/9 across four levels (A-AAA). The success earned him an invite to major-league Spring Training this year, as he hopes to leave enough of an impression to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster.
“Yeah, absolutely, you see this organization, they like moving guys fast, and obviously last year everything moved really fast, and so seeing what they’ve done in the past and realizing there is always the chance for any spot,” Waldrep said.
