MLB Insider Reveals 3 Phillies players who belong on the trade block right now

As Opening Day draws near, which players could the Phillies consider trading to enhance the team’s roster even more?

During the recent offseason, the Philadelphia Phillies made several acquisitions that bolstered the organization’s depth. Additionally, they made a significant move by acquiring versatile utility player Whit Merrifield to address a roster need. The series of transactions over the past month has reshaped the Phillies’ depth chart leading into the 2024 MLB season.

Consequently, some Phillies players may find it more challenging to secure a spot in the major league lineup, while others might have been displaced entirely. Instead of letting their skills go to waste on the bench or in the minors, these players could potentially be utilized as valuable trade assets to further strengthen the Phillies’ roster.

Below, we identify six Phillies players who could be more beneficial as trade assets to enhance the team for the 2024 season.

Rodolfo Castro

The Phillies acquired Rodolfo Castro from the Pittsburgh Pirates at the trade deadline last season in exchange for left-handed pitcher Bailey Falter. With the flexibility to play at second base, third base and shortstop, it was believed he could help offset the loss of veteran utilityman Josh Harrison, who was designated for assignment at about the same time.

However, in the minimal playing time that was given to Castro, he failed to take full advantage of it as he compiled a mediocre .100 batting average along with a .256 OPS, two runs scored, two RBI and 12 strikeouts in just 32 plate appearances across 14 games.

Already behind reserve Edmundo Sosa on the depth chart, and now with the further addition of Merrifield, Castro appears to be a redundancy for the upcoming season. Castro has shown some signs of power in the past, with 11 home runs in 71 games with the Pirates in 2022. As a result, he should attract some teams looking for a versatile infielder to fill their bench while the Phillies can recoup an asset in the process.

Muzziotti

Simón Muzziotti, a highly regarded prospect within the Phillies organization for several years, has consistently been ranked in the top 10 prospects list over recent seasons as per MLB Pipeline. Despite being acquired by the Phillies in 2016, Muzziotti has not yet made a significant impact at the major league level.

During his brief appearance with the Phillies in 2022, Muzziotti managed only one hit and recorded two strikeouts in nine plate appearances. Despite the team needing outfield support in 2023, they opted to rely on underperforming players such as Cristian Pache and Jake Cave, as well as giving rookie Johan Rojas a chance, without considering Muzziotti.

Following the Phillies claiming depth pitcher Max Castillo off waivers, Muzziotti was unexpectedly designated for assignment and removed from the 40-man roster. This decision came even as there was a perceived need for outfield depth due to starter Brandon Marsh’s injury. With the addition of Merrifield to the team, Muzziotti seems to have been marginalized. At 25 years old going into the 2024 season, Muzziotti seems to have not yet gained the trust of the Phillies, leading to limited opportunities.

Instead of keeping a promising prospect like Muzziotti in the minors for an indefinite period, it might be prudent to leverage his status as a top 10 prospect in potential trades to address other areas of need for the club.

Andrew Bellatti

After spending numerous years progressing through the minor leagues as a professional baseball player, Andrew Bellatti finally experienced a breakthrough season in the MLB with the Phillies in 2022 at the age of 30.

Emerging as a dependable presence in the bullpen, Bellatti achieved a 4-4 record, secured two saves, garnered nine holds, maintained a respectable 3.31 ERA, and recorded an impressive 78 strikeouts in just 54 1/3 innings across 59 appearances. He elevated his performance even further during the playoffs, boasting a remarkable 1.29 ERA, 0.43 WHIP, and nine strikeouts in eight postseason games.

However, Bellatti was unable to replicate his previous success in 2023, encountering early struggles in April. Throughout the season, he underwent multiple assignments between the minor and major leagues, concluding with a cumulative 5.11 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 27 total games with the Phillies. Notably, his performance improved during his time in the minors, where he posted a 2.25 ERA and accumulated 33 strikeouts in 28 innings.

Despite his strong showing in the minor leagues, the Phillies did not seem sufficiently impressed, leading to his designation for assignment and subsequent demotion to the minors this offseason in favor of Michael Rucker, acquired from the Chicago Cubs. Alongside Rucker, the team has bolstered its pitching depth with additions such as Luis Ortiz, Nick Nelson, Yunior Marté, and Connor Brogdon.

It appears that Bellatti’s tenure within the organization could be reaching its conclusion, suggesting that a change in scenery might be beneficial for both parties in the long term.