8/1/25 : Trade Deadline After Thoughts

Each year after trade deadlines pass fans and followers speculation abounds on what was possible or what the Phillies “should have done” (as is the case with each fan base of the 29 other MLB teams) and while many folks opine on the matter no one outside of the team truly knows what deals were discussed or thought to be progressing to fruition. In time some of the particulars may come out however even then the details aren’t necessarily entirely shared. There are multiple reasons for that ,two of which are that trades more often than not take months of discussion to conclude, what’s talked about today may be groundwork for future transactions but at the same time players who were discussed but not traded remain on the roster and it’s not good policy in any organization to plant doubt in the minds of folks still playing for the club as to how they may have been  “shopped” as trade parts.

What we do know is the deals that were transacted and the Phillies came away with three new members of the 40 man roster in exchange for five players at various stages of their careers. They also added a fourth prior to the trade whirlwinds via a free agent signing.

Acquired from Minnesota :  RHP Jhoan Duran

Traded to Minnesota :           RHP Mick Abel and C Eduardo Tait

RHP Jhoan Duran - 27 years old - signed 2/11/15 from Esperanza, Dominican Republic by the Arizona Diamondbacks - traded to Minnesota 7/27/18 in Eduardo Escobar transaction. Made his major league debut in 2022 - has posted 74 saves in 83 chances including 16 of 18 this season. Has a 2.01 ERA this year in 49 appearances (49.1 IP) with 53 K’s and 18 BB. He has elite stuff with a fastball that reaches triple digits and a splinker (splitter/sinker) that is his put-away pitch.  He’s not eligible for free agency till after the 2028 season. He’s a true closer who’s also had playoff experience - considered one of the best in the game. Not many thought it probable that the Phillies could acquire him during the trade deadline as interest was rampant in the industry and many were caught off guard when it was finalized but the organization had persisted and came thru - a high price was paid to do so but in most exchanges quality must be given in order to receive such in return.

RHP Mick Abel - 23 years old - 2020 1st round draft selection - Jesuit HS, Portland, OR - it’s been well documented how Mick progressed thru the organization from the struggles of prior years to reaching the majors this season. His major league debut game was outstanding and will live in the memory banks of many Phillies fans for a very long time. A genuinely good person who was sincerely disappointed that he couldn’t continue his career as a Phillie now has a new opportunity to be a rotation regular with the Twins. He’s got major league stuff, always has and when coupled with confidence and trust in himself to deploy it can be a very good pitcher for a long time. I sent him a note of well wishes as I truly hope he succeeds.

C Eduardo Tait - 18 years old - signed 1/15/23 as an international free agent - Panama City, Panama - a pure left handed hitter with real pop who plays the premium position of catcher and absorbs instruction and knowledge on his craft - has a very real chance of becoming a long term major league regular - that’s Eduardo. Those who doubt his ability to stick at catcher defensively just don’t know the makeup of the young man - I have no doubts he will do so. Offensively the power he possesses is special. A youngster who competes at a level much higher than his teenage years - he’s at least a couple years away from regular time in the major leagues however I truly believe he can get there before he turns twenty-one. I also sent him a note of well wishes - we watched him quite a bit last summer in person on the FCL backfields and noted his burgeoning performances.  My guess is Minnesota specifically asked for him as part of the trade as they should have in exchange for the talent they relinquished.  He’s got a very real chance of becoming a special player in the show.

Acquired from Minnesota :  OF Harrison Bader

Traded to Minnesota :           OF Hendry Mendez and RHP Geremy Viloria

OF Harrison Bader - 31 years old - 2015 3rd round draft selection of St Louis Cardinals - University of Florida - has played for Cardinals, Yankees, Reds, Mets and Twins in the major leagues - has been traded twice in his career, claimed off waivers once and signed as a free agent twice - won a gold glove in 2021 albeit some evaluators don’t believe his defensive prowess is as good as advertised.  Has had a productive 2025 season for Twins - 13 doubles, 12 home runs, 38 RBIs in 307 PA’s over 96 games with relatively even splits against left and right handed pitchers - has had post-season success - hit 5 home runs in the 2022 Division and League Championship Series for the Yankees. Of the outfielders who were traded this trade deadline has arguably had the most success this season.  Can play both left and center field and is regarded as a good teammate and clubhouse presence who’s known for a positive attitude, hustle and contributions - referred to as a “spark plug” type who brings energy to the teams he’s played for.

OF Hendry Mendez - 21 years old - acquired in 11/14/23 trade with Milwaukee Brewers - was signed by Brewers 1/15/21 as an international free agent from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - having a breakout season at the AA level - 2025 slash line of .290/.374/.434 with an .808 OPS at Reading - 13 doubles, 3 triples, 8 home runs and 46 RBIs - strong month of July - .313/.421/.422 and .843 OPS in 19 games - not fleet afoot who’s likely limited defensively to left field - LH hitter with unorthodox swing that works for him - has hit well at every level he’s played - some have questioned his ability to drive the ball but has shown that he can - this year in particular with 8 home runs (five on the road). Bright smile and well regarded as a teammate - he can progress to becoming a major league contributor - is just 21 years old.  I also sent him a note as he should get perhaps a better path to the show with the Twins as compared to with the Phillies.

RHP Geremy Viloria - 16 years old (will be 17 on 8/14) - signed as an international free agent 1/15/25 - Puerto Cabello, Venezuela  - I am in process of writing my annual DSL review article - many in the organization regarded Viloria as the best pitching prospect at the Dominican Academy this year - the Twins Academy sits alongside the Phillies - they also were very much aware of the young man’s skillset. He’s tall (6’2”) and lanky - in his five starts this season for Phillies Red has posted a 4.50 ERA in 14 IP with 19 K’s and 4 walks - threw four shutout innings in his pro debut on 6/3/25 - fastball generally sits 92-93 mph and also throws a slider and change-up. Is just 16 years old so a long projection path ahead.

Acquired from Detroit :  RHP Matt Manning

Traded to Detroit :           OF Josueth Quinonez

RHP Matt Manning - 27 years old - 2016 1st round draft selection - Detroit Tigers - Sheldon HS, Sacramento, CA - 6’6” power arm who’s had his struggles with both injuries and performance - has pitched in 50 major league games (all as a starter) with a career 4.43 ERA in 254 IP - 178 K’s - 85 BB. This season was converted to a reliever and has made 31 appearances for AAA level Toledo posting a 6.04 ERA in 50.2 IP with 52 K’s and 37 walks. Fastball this summer generally in the 93-96 mph range offset by a sweeper and curve - will throw an occasional splitter.  He’s considered a project who will go to Clearwater to work in the Pitching Lab at Carpenter Complex to ascertain if some tweaks can be made to help with command and pitch movement.

OF Josueth Quinonez - 18 years old - signed as an international free agent 1/15/24 - Maracay, Venezuela - I am in process of writing my annual DSL review article - is in his second season of DSL play - has hit well both years with a career .301/.397/.383 slash line and .780 OPS with 13 doubles, 2 home runs, 38 RBIs and 13 stolen bases in 310 PA’s. Considered by many in the organization as being in the top five position players at the Dominican Academy this year as a prospect who was likely headed stateside in 2026 - defensively has played mostly center field with time in right field as well.

Signed as a free agent 7/21/25 :   RHP David Robertson

RHP David Robertson - 40 years old - 2006 17th round draft selection - New York Yankees - University of Alabama - 16 major league seasons of experience - has pitched for Yankees, White Sox, Phillies, Rangers, Mets, Cubs, Marlins and Rays. Veteran presence with multiple years of success as a high impact reliever including last season with the Rangers when he posted a 3.00 ERA in 68 games (72 IP). Has made two preparation appearances thus far this year with AAA Lehigh Valley  - he’s pitched two scoreless innings and has been in the 91-93 mph range with his sinker and has also thrown a knuckle curve, cutter and slider. Should be ready to contribute in the big leagues in a couple more appearances.

Final Thoughts :

BTW - not that it matters but I believe that the Phillies made sincere attempts to acquire more “prominently named” players but either were rebutted in regards to the packages offered else were requested players in return they themselves would not consider trading. That being said such discussions lay ground work for the off-season pursuits that might be in play. Just sayin.

Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️

Note : I've partnered  with Fanatics on Phillies Merchandise - if you would like to help support my website and articles here's a link to order merchandise - I get a small commission on any sales - thanks for the support.

http://fanatics.93n6tx.net/NKjZkK