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Adding a reliever appears to be the top priority for the Phillies before next month’s deadline passes. However, the team won’t shy away from an opportunity to add a bat, particularly someone who can play the outfield.
It’s why a team like the Minnesota Twins, who may very well fall out of contention over the next few weeks, makes a good trade partner for the Phillies. Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer believes the team could make a splash for Jhoan Duran and utility player Willi Castro.
“The Twins have time to pull out of their nosedive,” wrote Lauber. “But with the Pohlad family trying to sell the team, why not move closer Jhoan Durán — and his two additional years of team control — for future pieces? … The Twins could dangle switch-hitting Willi Castro, who is in his walk year. Castro plays almost every infield and outfield position and was batting .303 with an .888 OPS against lefties through Thursday.”
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Below is the full trade prediction:
Abel is a piece the Phillies could regret moving on from, especially with top prospect Andrew Painter still working through the minor leagues and struggling in Triple-A. However, acquiring a high-leverage closer and strong bat could be worth the price.
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Castro’s versatility makes him a very desirable player ahead of next month as manager Rob Thomson could slot him anywhere in the outfield based on matchup and if certain players need a day off for a game. He’s been used primarily as a corner outfielder but could player center field if absolutely necessary.
The Twins would get a potential front-end starter in Abel plus Escobar who has torn it up at Single-A Clearwater this year. Entering Friday, the 20-year-old infield prospect was slashing .298/.391/.475 through 61 games.
It would be a hard pill to swallow for Phillies fans to say goodbye to Abel, but this is a trade the team should be willing to make if the offer presents itself.
More MLB: Phillies Projected to Acquire Closer, Outfielder From Red Sox at Deadline