The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to be among “the most aggressive teams” ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.
So how’s this for aggressive?
In his June 27 column for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Scott Lauber proposed a deal that would send a package of top pitching prospect Mick Abel, 20-year-old Single-A phenom Aroon Escobar, and backup catcher Rafael Marchan to the Twins for center fielder Byron Buxton and closer Jhoan Duran.
It’s the type of deal that could put the Phillies over the top as they pursue their first World Series title since 2008.
Jhoan Duran Would Help Address Philadelphia’s Bullpen Issues
The Phillies bullpen needs some help, especially following the suspension of left-handed reliever José Alvarado for violating MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, meaning he will not be eligible to pitch in the postseason for Philadelphia. Duran would go a long way to addressing any issues.
The 27-year-old right-hander, who has a 1.69 ERA with 12 saves and 42 strikeouts in 37.1 innings, throws a fastball that averages 100.2 mph, as well as a splinker that sits at 97.5 mph. Now in his fourth season, Duran has a K/9 average of 11.41, and he has only walked 14 batters this season.
Perhaps best of all, Duran has two more years of team control. Sports Illustrated ranked Duran as the No. 3 potential trade candidate for the upcoming deadline.
“Duran has taken his game to new heights in his fourth big-league season, blowing hitters away with a four-seamer that sits 100.4 mph and a devastating knuckle curve that’s generated a 42.6% whiff rate,” SI wrote about Duran. “He’s posted a staggering 71.7% ground ball rate and is yet to allow a home run. Should the Twins fall out of the race, there should be no shortage of contending teams lining up to add a game-changing closer to the back of their bullpen.”
Byron Buxton Would Give Rare Power-Speed Threat in Center Field
As for Buxton, the 31-year-old would help the Phillies plug a big hole that has caused problems since the season began.
The ultimate high-risk, high-reward piece, Buxton is still regarded among baseball’s better defensive center fielders, and when healthy, he offers an enticing power-speed threat. This season, Buxton has been very productive for the Twins, slashing .286/.352/.575, with 19 home runs, 51 RBIs and 15 stolen bases.
Of course, the cost would be steep.
Abel, Philadelphia’s No. 5 prospect, made his Major League debut this season, and he is 2-1 with a 3.47 ERA in five starts. Escobar is slashing .287/.379/.457 for Clearwater, with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs. And Marchan has been a valuable piece, a switch-hitting catcher who’s proven steady behind the plate when called upon.
But with the Phillies clinging to first place in the National League East division, a half-game ahead of the New York Mets, it’s the kind of aggressive move that president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski should consider.
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