5 best trade candidates if the Philadelphia Phillies are deadline sellers
By Tim Boyle
4. Philadelphia Phillies trade candidate: Jean Segura.
The situation with Jean Segura is yet another tricky one for the Phillies. Do they pick up his option of $17 million next year or let him walk? Segura has been good for the Phillies even if he does at times become one of the club’s most frustrating players.
The Phillies have no immediate answers at second base to replace Segura which could have them paying him a lot of money next year as they once again attempt to capture a title with him on the roster. Segura has been a good fit for the club as someone who isn’t purely looking to hit a home run in every at-bat. He’s also not a bad defender at second base. If there’s one thing we can criticize about his defense it has been how much the Phillies have moved him around. He has spent regular time at shortstop and third base before finally settling in at his current spot where he is probably best-suited.
The market for second basemen can be a unique one because it’s not always a position with high expectations. An injury to one of the top guy sat the position can always change this. A months-long slump may also motivate a team enough to call up the Phillies and seek to make a swap.
Assessing whether or not to trade Segura this year in an absent season will be a tough decision for the front office to make. Personally, I’d prefer they only shop guys on expiring contracts (and Hoskins) if we look at the standings in late July and see the Phillies fading.