The loss of Andrew McCutchen is a brutal one for this Phillies team.
Not only was he playing his way into All Star consideration, but he was a team leader, a demanding presence inside that locker room and overall, just an awesome guy to root for every night.
The Phillies won't be able to replicate what he brought them on a night-in-night-out basis in this trade market. They won't be able to find a guy that brings his level of defense, plate discipline and pop all wrapped into one.
But for a team desperate to make the playoffs for the first time since 2011, Matt Klentak has no choice but to be scouring the outfield market for an upgrade.
Adam Haseley is probably not ready, but the Phillies would be wise giving him the bulk of the playing time in centerfield. If he takes the job and runs with it, it's better for the future of the Phillies. Jay Bruce had a monster night last night in San Diego, but his best role is still a spot start against a righty and a late inning weapon off the bench. Starting Jay Bruce every night in a division race doesn't seem like a path to success for this team.
So while the Phillies won't be able to replace McCutchen at this deadline, here are seven names that could help soften the blow of his injury.
Adam Jones
The Phillies had a deal in place to bring Jones to Philadelphia last summer but he vetoed it to stay in Baltimore. Some of questioned if Jones would veto again if the Phillies came calling. I think he would. To me, Jones thought of himself as an Oriole for life and he thought they would re-sign him in the offseason. Now that he saw that they weren't loyal to him, Jones should have no problem coming to Philadelphia if the two teams struck a deal.
Jones would be a perfect fit.
From a clubhouse/leadership side, Jones would fill McCutchen's shoes adequately and on the field, Jones could do similar things to what McCutchen was doing for this team. He's having a resurgent year down in Arizona, and even though he probably can't play centerfield everyday anymore, Jones and Bruce would suffice in left for the rest of the season.
Jones would be my trade if I was the Phillies. He's a rental, shouldn't cost much prospect wise and would help a young team in the stretch run of a divisional race.
Yasiel Puig
Puig is a dynamic talent, but he's been rather disappointing in Cincinnati this season. He's only batting .210, with a .257 OBP. The 11 homers are nice but he's got a .642 OPS.
Could a change of scenery and a divisional race energize Puig?
Possibly, but I could see the Reds trying to get more than what he's worth prospect wise. If the Reds wanted to just move on from Puig and will take whatever they can get, the Phillies could take a shot, but I'm not sure how much better he really makes them this season.
Jarrod Dyson
While giving Haseley a bulk of the playing time would be the smart thing for the Phillies, bringing in Jarrod Dyson certainly wouldn't hurt them if he proves that he's not ready to take down centerfield every night.
Dyson's been around forever but he's having his best offensive season this year in Arizona.
Dyson would be an ideal target for the Phils. Won't cost much in prospects, can play center, is hitting this year and will steal you a bag whenever you need it. Even if Haseley proves he can handle center, Dyson as a late inning threat on the bases would be a good thing for this Phils team.
Kevin Pillar
Meh.
Pillar would be brought in strictly for his defense, ability to play center or left and would cost them nothing in a trade.
I'd rather see the Phillies go for a left field upgrade, to platoon with Bruce, over just trading for a defense-first centerfielder that brings nothing to the plate.
But given they can have him for almost nothing, he's a candidate.
Hunter Pence
How about bringing back an old friend?!
Hunter Pence is off to an insane start for a Rangers team that is better than expected. The Rangers would be wise to sell at the deadline, but there's rumors they might hold onto players and see what happens.
Pence went under a swing-change this offseason and boy, has it paid dividends.
Pence on the year:
.295 AVG/.345 OBP/.928 OPS/11 HR/39 RBI
He brings World Series pedigree and is only making $2 million this year.
Pence would be a more than welcome addition to this outfield.
Melky Cabrera
Cabrera is another older player that is still RAKING.
His numbers this year:
.335 AVG/.376 OBP/.843 OPS/4 HR/22 RBI
He can still player either corner outfield spot, can still hit, won't cost them much in prospects and would be owed around $1 million if the Phils traded for him.
Derek Dietrich
Dietrich is another guy having a breakout season that could have been signed this offseason for nothing.
Dietrich is playing most second base for the Reds but he has a lot of experience playing in the outfield and at third base as well. If the Phils traded for him, there could be lineups where Kingery plays center and Dietrich plays third, which would be a really strong lineup. But still, Dietrich should be able to take down left field if they traded for him.
Dietrich's numbers this year:
.269 AVG/.373 OBP/1.073 OPS/17 HR/37 RBI
That'll play.
Dietrich is a rental, but he would probably cost them the most prospect wise just because of the insane start he's off to. If the Phils are serious about contending this year, Dietrich is the best offensive option for them at this deadline.
As you can see, every single player mentioned above is expiring at the end of the year. The Phils would be wise to go for players that can definitely help them right now, but not kill them prospect-wise.
Go after players that can get the job done, sure, but don't sacrifice your future for a team that has too many holes to fill in one deadline.
