As the Philadelphia Phillies continue to build toward their future, breakout reliever Ken Giles is drawing interest on the trade market heading into December’s winter meetings.
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Multiple Suitors Check on Giles
Thursday, Nov. 19
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Phillies have heard from the Houston Astros and Miami Marlins about Giles. He also acknowledged the team “could wait” until the trade deadline in July or next winter to move the right-hander.
As far as why the Phillies would consider dealing Giles now, Rosenthal noted the team took notice of a recent deal for a prominent closer under contract for multiple years:
Speaking to MLB Network Radio about the possibility of trading the 25-year-old, Phillies general manager Matt Klentak said the team is “trying to add players like Giles,” but he did admit that “you have to be opportunistic” when a deal presents itself.
Giles has been fantastic for the Phillies since arriving in 2014, posting a 1.56 ERA in 115.2 innings with 151 strikeouts and 36 walks. He’s still two years away from being eligible for arbitration, making him even more attractive because his salary will be near the league minimum until 2018.
The Phillies realistically aren’t going to compete for a playoff spot until 2017, at the earliest, so there is no need to keep a prominent closer for the next two years knowing there could be a great deal that nets them a prominent minor league position player or starting pitcher.
Klentak is smart to explore the options for Giles while his stock is at its highest, especially given how quickly relievers are prone to a decline. It may not be a popular move, but it is the right direction for the franchise at this point in its rebuild.
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