Section 215
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Philadelphia Phillies: Ranking Their Best Trade Chips

By Chuck Booth

Jun 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) is tug out at home by Philadelphia Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp (29) during the second inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) is tug out at home by Philadelphia Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp (29) during the second inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher David Hernandez (30) throws a pitch during the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Indians, 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Number Six Tie: David Hernandez and Andrew Bailey

I couldn’t separate David Hernandez and Andrew Bailey because they are almost the same pitcher for the purposes of this exercise. Both are relievers with strong track records and closing experience who are performing very well for the Philadelphia Phillies this year.

They would each bring back a low to mid-level prospect depending on the needs of the team trading for them but that’s better than getting nothing for letting them walk in free agency once the season is over. This is a deep year for relief pitching so teams won’t be able to overcharge as much for it as they could in years’ past but Hernandez and Bailey are two of the best relief pitchers in the National League.

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Let’s start with Andrew Bailey. Since joining the Phillies, the 32-year-old has done nothing but get batters out. In 15.2 innings pitched Bailey has struck out 15 and has an ERA of 2.30. None of this should be surprising coming from a guy with a career 2.71 ERA even though he has had some recent injury troubles. Bailey is pitching lights out right now and could easily help any contender struggling at the back end of the bullpen.

David Hernandez had a rocky start to the season but he has been money ever since. Hernandez is slightly younger at 31 but is putting up the same stellar numbers. Hernandez is having his best year since 2012 when he posted a 2.50 ERA for the Diamondbacks. In 26 games, Hernandez has struck out 36 in 26 innings while compiling a 2.77 ERA. He’s another veteran arm for a team looking for bullpen help at the deadline.

Neither of these guys could be the guy to put a team over the top but they could easily make an already good team much better. As the Royals taught us last season, you can never have too good of a bullpen when it comes to winning the World Series.

Next: Could Chooch Help a Contender?

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