The MLB trade deadline is just three weeks away on July 30, and speculation is rampant about the Philadelphia Phillies’ plans to enhance their roster for a playoff push. It is widely believed that club president Dave Dombrowski will target an additional outfielder.
The Phillies have been linked to several players in trade rumors, including Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox, Cody Bellinger of the Chicago Cubs, Harrison Bader of the New York Mets, Brent Rooker of the Oakland Athletics, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Miami Marlins.
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Known for making significant trades involving top prospects, Dombrowski has seen the Phillies’ top farm system players mentioned in various mock trade proposals for these outfielders.
Phillies Rumors: According to an MLB insider, top prospect Aidan Miller is set to be traded.
MLB insider Jim Bowden believes the Phillies’ No. 2 prospect, shortstop Aidan Miller, will be traded by the deadline, anticipating the Phillies will acquire Bellinger, Chisholm, or Robert.
On Sirius XM’s MLB Network Radio, Bowden remarked that Dombrowski and GM Sam Fuld have been focused on enhancing the Phillies’ outfield.
“When [Dave Dombrowski] targets something, he gets it,” Bowden said. “And he aims for the best. So, I expect Dave to land one of those three players. That’s my prediction for the Phillies at the trade deadline—they’ll secure one of the three.”
“I don’t know which one, but it will be costly. The deal will likely involve Aidan Miller and one of their top pitching prospects. It’s a high price, but they’ll pay it.”
Based on Bowden’s comments, Phillies fans hoping to see Aidan Miller’s development might be disappointed, as he may not continue to grow into a star in a Phillies uniform. Few prospects have climbed the MLB rankings as quickly as the 20-year-old infielder this season. His impressive performance has made him a prime target for struggling teams.
Miller thrived in Single-A with the Clearwater Threshers, posting a .275/.401/.483 line and .884 OPS in 39 games, earning a promotion to the Jersey Shore BlueClaws in High-A in June. Alongside Jersey Shore outfielder Justin Crawford, he will represent the Phillies in the 2024 MLB Futures Game on July 13.
Despite Turner’s presence at shortstop for several more seasons, the Phillies should reconsider trading Miller. However, it seems increasingly likely, much to the dismay of fans. The Phillies have a surplus of shortstop prospects in their system, including Starlyn Caba, Devin Saltiban, Bryan Rincon, William Bergolla, Robert Moore, and José Rodríguez. Not all will make it to the majors, but Miller has garnered significant attention from scouts and front offices.
The Phillies might not need a major trade to improve their outfield. Acquiring a pending free agent like Harrison Bader or Tommy Pham from the White Sox could be a more conservative approach that doesn’t require giving up top prospects like Miller, Crawford, Caba, or Eduardo Tait.
Trading Miller, especially to a division rival like the Marlins for Jazz Chisholm, poses a risk. The Phillies might regret seeing one of their top prospects develop into a star for an NL East competitor. Acquiring a player like Chisholm or Luis Robert, who have club control beyond this year, raises questions about the future of Rojas with the Phillies. Will he continue to develop in Triple-A, stay on the major league roster with less playing time in center field, or start getting reps in left or right field?
The Phillies aim to resolve their outfield situation within a few weeks, and the price may involve parting with Miller. If Dombrowski trades the young infielder, the deal must propel Philadelphia to at least a championship this year.
