Philadelphia Phillies Should Not Trade Odubel Herrera
The Philadelphia Phillies have seen Odubel Herrera become a star in the making, and the team should do everything they can to retain him.
The Philadelphia Phillies are loaded with outfield talent throughout up and down the entire organization. When there’s young talent in the hands of an organization, it’s hard not to be blinded by what kind of potential lies within each prospect. Aaron Altherr, Nick Williams, Roman Quinn, Dylan Cozens, and recent first overall pick Mickey Moniak are just the main examples of the young talent that are in the Phillies’ basket.
The talent in the outfield is more than just speedy fielders and strong arms. All of these prospects have an incredible ability to do damage at the plate. Usually, when a franchise has an abundance of outfield talent, they can transition one of those prospects to first base. The problem for the Philadelphia Phillies is they have a huge prospect in Rhys Hoskins and another breakout starter in Tommy Joseph laying claim to that position for years to come.
So, not only are the Philadelphia Phillies watching five talented prospects rise up with fairly similar timelines, but also have a young star manning centerfield in Odubel Herrera. At just 24-years old, Herrera has enjoyed the sophomore season of his life.
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Herrera followed up his consistent rookie season with another solid hitting performance, earning him an All-Star selection. Herrera has hit .288 with 15 home runs and 48 RBI from the top of the lineup. Herrera has also managed to cut down on his strikeout rate, currently sitting at 122 strikeouts in 610 plate appearances.
Herrera’s consistency at the plate is matched by his fielding ability as well. In what has been an up and very down year for the Philadelphia Phillies, the one beacon of consistency has been the play of Odubel Herrera. Herrera’s not going to blast 15 home runs on a yearly basis, but his .288 average is no fluke.
Herrera has proven to be one of the smartest hitters in the league at the plate, seemingly putting a good swing on almost every pitch that comes his way. He can continue his near .300 hitting yearly, and that makes him valuable. So valuable that the rest of the league is now waiting for a chance to snatch him, and the Phillies should do their best to keep him close.
Trading a player, especially at a position which isn’t a need, at his highest value seems like a no-brainer. Why should the Philadelphia Phillies keep Herrera instead of flipping him for more talent? Because Herrera is the type of talent you’re trying to obtain. At 24-years old, there’s more than enough time for him to grow with this rebuilding franchise without “wasting” prime years.
A consistent top of the lineup hitter is not an easily obtainable asset, so replacing him would prove easier said than done. Nick Williams is more of a swing-and-miss hitter who still needs some polishing at the plate. Roman Quinn is proving himself as a legitimate MLB hitter recently. Moniak still has ways to go. Cozens fielding is questionable but his power is undeniable. Altherr has the potential to become a five-tool player.
Out of those just stated, only Quinn and Altherr are debatable pieces that would prompt the Philadelphia Phillies to move Herrera. The rest of the list is all based off potential, which is still important but is more subjective than not. The plethora of talent will have to be addressed, but that shouldn’t come in trading a consistent young hitter.
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Herrera is already a sure thing at the plate. Trading someone of his caliber goes against the idea of the rebuild, and while the appeal of value is there, it most likely won’t bring a franchise shifting return. At the moment, it’s imperative for the organization to keep Odubel Herrera a Philadelphia Phillies cornerstone.