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Could the Phillies Explore This Trade With the Rangers?
The Philadelphia Phillies are not afraid to make a trade. As long as it is for the right player and price. The additions of Kyle Gibson, Ian Kennedy, and even Hans Crouse from the Texas Rangers last season helped solidify weak areas of the roster.
They nearly tasted the playoffs for the first time in a decade because of it.
So, with the Phillies needing outfield help, could another trade with the Rangers before the start of the season help bolster Philadelphia's roster once again? The potential is there.
One name that could interest the Phillies is Nick Solak. Prior to his tenure in Texas, Solak was a touted prospect within the Tampa Bay Rays organization and there, prepared to be a Major League second baseman.
Nick Solak, Texas Rangers
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Solak got his chance when Texas traded for him in July 2019 and instantly impressed. However, he struggled to produce in 2021 following a blistering start. Negative defensive statistics at second base could have impacted his production at the plate.
The Rangers believed a move to left field could help jumpstart his production. By focusing less on a defensive position, the thought was that he could improve offensively. Solak became an acceptable left fielder and his pedigree at the plate is evident based on results in both the minors and majors.
Perhaps the Rangers see him as a fit for left field in 2022, but if not, he is blocked at second base by new signings Marcus Semien and Corey Seager. As such, he may be seen as a potential trade candidate and the Phillies should be interested.
Philadelphia is looking to stay underneath the luxury tax threshold, but they still need to add an impact bat and a few bullpen pieces. Left field remains a question mark given the departure of Andrew McCutchen, and Solak could be a good fit.
The 27-year-old veteran is affordable and under team control until 2026. He could take over the left field position, and if he returns to his rookie year form at the plate when he hit .293/.393./491 with five home runs over 116 at bats, the Phillies could strike gold.
Nick Solak, Texas Rangers
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But, what would it take to pry him from Texas' hands? Perhaps a price Philadelphia could afford. Considering he is blocked in the middle infield and the presence of Willie Calhoun leaves him questioning his future in left, the Rangers may let him go if they receive at least one promising prospect in return.
One potential trade that could benefit both sides is catcher Logan O'Hoppe and a PTBNL to the Rangers in a trade for Solak. O'Hoppe, while he has impressed, is currently blocked by J.T. Realmuto and the promising Rafael Marchan.
Texas on the other hand currently relies on Jose Trevino and Jonah Heim to do much of the heavy lifting behind the plate. Both, while defensively talented, have done little to inspire on offense.
Meanwhile, O'Hoppe slashed .270/.331/.458 in the minors during the 2021 season. He would be able to develop for another season while the Rangers begin to move into their contention window beginning in 2023.
Both teams would be dealing from a position of excess while also bolstering their roster in areas of potential need. While this wouldn't be regarded as a blockbuster trade, it could see the Phillies guide a once highly regarded player to new heights after a change of scenery.
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