The Philadelphia Phillies are one of the top teams in Major League Baseball and are expected to be buyers ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.
The Phillies are atop the NL East, and MLB analyst Christopher Kline of FanSided shared a trade pitch that would see Philadelphia fill two major needs. Kline has the Phillies acquiring Emmanuel Clase and Steven Kwan in a blockbuster deal with the Cleveland Guardians.
Phillies acquire:
- Emmanuel Clase
- Steven Kwan
Guardians acquire:
- Mick Abel
- Aroon Escobar
- Gabriel Rincones Jr.
The proposed deal would be a blockbuster as Philadelphia would acquire a star closer and a star reliever for three of their top prospects.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
“Clase is under contract through 2028, with back-to-back club options worth $10 million in 2027 and '28. Kwan is arbitration eligible through 2027,” Kline wrote. “That gives Philadelphia a long runway for success with two stars in their prime. This has not been Clase's best individual campaign, but he's still a significant upgrade over the Phillies' current late-relief options. Kwan is exactly what Philly needs in the outfield — a high-level defender and a disciplined hitter who doesn't overextend.”
Clase could take over as the Phillies’ closer, as Philadelphia has had some struggles at the back end of the bullpen. He’s 4-2 with a 3.12 ERA with 19 saves.
Kwan, meanwhile, is under control through 2027 and would be a good leadoff hitter for the Phillies, who plays stellar defense. He’s hitting .292 with 6 home runs and 29 RBIs, while he’s a three-time Gold Glove Award winner and two-time All-Star.
In return, Philadelphia would trade Abel, who could join the Guardians’ rotation right now. He’s the fifth-ranked prospect in the Phillies system.
The Phillies would also trade their sixth-ranked prospect, second baseman Aaron Escobar. The final prospect Philadelphia would part with is 1the 1th-ranked prospect in Rincones Jr., who’s an outfielder and could play in MLB games this season.
More MLB: Phillies might cut ties with 27-year-old fan favorite, per insider