On Wednesday night, the Philadelphia Phillies made a blockbuster trade with the Texas Rangers that sent star pitcher Cole Hamels to Texas for a superb package of prospects to help rebuild the Phillies’ farm system.
According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, the Phillies sent Cole Hamels, relief pitcher Jake Diekman, and cash to the Rangers in exchange for catcher Jorge Alfaro, outfielder Nick Williams, and starting pitchers Alec Asher, Jerad Eickhoff, Jake Thompson and Matt Harrison.
This is a win-win for both teams as the Rangers get an ace in Hamels, who will be there through 2019 and get a solid lefty specialist out of the bullpen in Diekman. For the Phillies, they are continuing to replenish the farm system and did that last night in a big way. According to MLBPipeline, the Phillies got the Rangers’ 4th, 5th, 6th, 17th, and 29th best prospects.
So far this season, Hamels has a 6-7 record with a 3.64 ERA and coming off of a no-hitter against the Chicago Cubs where he had 13 strikeouts. In terms of Diekman, he has had an up and down season. In 41 games this season, he has a 2-1 record with a 5.15 ERA to go along with 49 strikeouts in 36.2 innings pitched.
Finally, here is a deeper a look at some of the prospects the Phillies received from the Rangers beginning with Jake Thompson. Thompson is only 21 years old and pitching in Double-A. This season at Double-A Frisco, he has a record of 6-6 to go along with an ERA of 4.72. He has also struck out 78 over 87.2 innings pitched but has given up seven home runs and 30 walks in the process. According to MLBPipeline, Thompson’s best bet is to be a No. 3 starter but could end being a No. 2.
Right after Thompson on the Rangers’ top 30 prospect list is Nick Williams coming in at fifth. Just like Thompson, Williams is also 21 years old playing in Double-A. At Double-A Frisco, he has 13 home runs and 45 RBI with a slash line of .299/.357/.479. The Phillies needed more depth in the outfield and they got that with Williams. MLBPipeline says that Williams’ plate discipline has gotten better this season and could be a force when he finally reaches the majors.
They also mention that he can play all three outfield positions but has spent majority of his career in left field. Currently, the Phillies have a rotating door in left field, which means Williams’ could get his chance sooner than later if he continues to develop.
Finally, the sixth ranked prospect in the Rangers’ system, catcher Jorge Alfaro was a must get for the Phillies. The Phils needed a good catcher in their system as Tommy Joseph’s career has been derailed by concussions. Alfaro is also 22 years old and playing in Double-A but is currently on the disabled list after undergoing surgery on his left ankle in June.
MLBPipeline says that Alfaro has bat speed and power but will strikeout a lot. His stats backup that notion this season. In 49 games with Frisco, he has five home runs and 21 RBI but 61 strikeouts. Lastly, he has a cannon arm and good athleticism behind the plate for a catcher but he still needs more work behind the plate such as throwing out baserunners. Right now, if you are the Phillies, you will take that from Alfaro since he is still young and has more to learn.
This trade will be talked about for many years to come, as everybody will be watching to see if the Rangers will become contenders and to see if the Phillies’ rebuild was successful.
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