The Philadelphia Phillies stood pat at the deadline and, whether you like it or not, this is the team moving forward. It is a team of many question marks within a few certainties. Many of those questions will be answered shortly when many of their prospects will be called up in September. However, none of these prospects or for sure.
This is most noticeable in the outfield where the likes of Cody Asche, Odubel Herrera, Aaron Altherr and Peter Bourjos reside. Herrera and Altherr may stick as they are both young and have shown a lot of upside in their short Phillies’ tenure. However, Asche and Bourjos are questions marks.
Bourjos is 29 and on the last year of his contract. He has played well but it is unlikely that the Phillies will bring him back as the team rebuilds. The best case scenario would be a post deadline trade or just returned from the disabled list. This would allow the veteran a chance to compete in the playoffs while also giving the Phillies a prospect in return.
Asche, on the other hand, is still rather controllable. He is making just $530,000 the season and still has three more years of arbitration. The problem with Asche is performance-based. After a great start after his DL stand for an oblique injury, the converted left fielder is hitting just .219 with four home runs and 17 RBIs in 160 at bats. Asche just can’t seem to get it going and it may be time to move on.
So what options do the Phillies have?
They have plenty. Down on the farm names such as Roman Quinn, Nick Williams and Dylan Cozens have come to the forefront.
Cousins, 22, is currently hitting .276 with 27 home runs and 89 RBIs at Double-A Reading. Add 17 stolen bases to the mix and the power hitting lefty is having one hell of a year.
Williams, 22, was acquired via trade at the deadline last year for, left-handed pitcher, Cole Hamels. He is currently hitting .285 with 27 doubles, 5 triples, 11 home runs and 55 RBIs and it Lehigh valley. Williams has had some issues personality wise as he has been benched twice this season for not hustling.
Quinn, 23, is a much different breed than Cozens or Williams. He is not going to impress you with his power but his speed is undeniable. Quinn is batting .288 this season in AA Reading with 25 stolen bases. The speed specialist grades out as one of the premier defenders in the Phillies’ farm system
There are plenty of good options for the Phillies moving forward however let’s throw one more name into the mix. This player is currently not with the Phillies but it may do them well to acquire him. This player is none other then Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig.
Puig lit the baseball world on fire in 2013 but has declined every year since. This decline has led to his demotion to AAA Oklahoma City this past week. It is evident that the Los Angeles Dodgers and Yasiel Puig are at odds. This is why the Phillies need to strike. However, there are both pros and cons to making a deal for Puig.
Pros
Puig’s trade value may never be lower than it is right now. He has had a poor 2016 campaign, hitting just .260 with seven home runs and 34 RBIs. Surprisingly enough, this would be the third best average on the Phillies among qualified hitters. Puig’s defense of ability is average to above average and his arm is well documented as one of the most impressive in the league.
Cons
There are two notable downsides to acquiring Yasiel Puig. The first being his baseball IQ. Puig has the tendency to make poor decisions during critical moments, whether it be bad base running or missing to cut off man. However, this is something that can be fixed over time.
The other downside, and the reason for his fall from grace in Los Angeles, is his attitude. Puig has often been described as someone with a child like temperament which is not widely excepted around Major League clubhouses. This has led to problems with teammates and coaches alike. A change of scenery may be just what Puig needs to turn his attitude around.
Conclusion
It is worth the risk for Philadelphia to acquire Yasiel Puig. The Dodgers clearly don’t want him and two poor seasons have lowered his trade value substantially. Only 25, his prime baseball years may be ahead of him. Puig has shown his superstar status before and he could do it again. A change of scenery can do a lot for a young player and to move from the spot light of Los Angeles to the blue-collar nature of Philadelphia may do the trick.
