The Phillies were heading into The 2024 MLB Trade Deadline with one of the best records in baseball. Even with their near 100-win pace, there were many fans out there that wanted President of Baseball Operations, Dave Dombrowski, to go out and make a move for a superstar player. By 6 pm yesterday, that did not happen.
Over the weekend, The Phillies made two deals. In a bit of a surprising move, they acquired Outfielder Austin Hays from The Baltimore Orioles for Cristian Pache and Seranthony Dominguez. The other move, a little more expected, was The Phillies trading pitching prospects, George Klassen and Samuel Aldegheri for Angels All-Star Closer, Carlos Estevez.
On Tuesday, The Phillies made two more moves. They acquired Left-handed reliever, Tanner Banks, from The Chicago White Sox for infield prospect, William Bergolla. The last trade of the day was Philadelphia dealing Gregory Soto to Baltimore for Right-handed Pitchers Seth Johnson and Moisés Chace.
So, how did The Phillies fare at this year’s deadline? Below are grades for each trade and their overall performance.
Acquired RF Austin Hays from Orioles for RHP Seranthony Domínguez and CF Cristian Pache: A-
The Phillies were able to add a productive outfield bat without having to give up any of their top prospects. While Pache had shown flashes at times, it seemed like an uncomfortable fit for the organization having both Johan Rojas and Pache, very similar players, on the roster. It’s been a roller coaster ride with Seranthony Dominguez the last few seasons, and after this trade, it seemed to be apparent The Phillies were going to get an above-average reliever.
Acquired RHP Carlos Estévez from Angels for RHP George Klassen and LHP Samuel Aldegheri: A+
The fans get their wish here with a high-leverage reliever/closer. Estevez has been one of the best relievers in MLB this year. He was top five in saves in The American League before The Phillies traded for him, and he hasn’t given up an earned run since May 20th. Philadelphia now has some insurance in the backend of the bullpen with The 2023 All-Star, and they didn’t have to give up names like Painter, Miller or Crawford to do it.
Acquired LHP Tanner Banks from White Sox for SS William Bergolla: B
Banks probably won’t see the mound much in the postseason, and The Phillies gave up their 11th ranked prospect in their system. But, after giving up Gregory Soto shortly after this move, it makes much more sense. Lefties are hitting .184 off of Banks this year. He also has a 4.13 ERA in 2024, and has been 3.52 since June 2nd.
Acquired RHP Seth Johnson and RHP Moisés Chace from Orioles for LHP Gregory Soto: B
Soto, The two-time All-Star, never really got into a groove while he was in Philadelphia. He was nasty in June (0.90 ERA) and for most of July, but The Phillies were looking to get some prospects back after giving them up in their prior moves. Johnson becomes The Phillies 10th ranked prospect on MLB.com, while Chace is 25th.
Overall Trade Deadline Performance: A
The Phillies were able to fill their needs without having to give up Andrew Painter, Aidan Miller and Justin Crawford, their top three prospects that they covet. They get an All-Star Closer, productive outfield bat, and refill both prospect & relief pitching holes during the process. A great Deadline by Dave Dombrowski.