The Phillies approached this year’s trade deadline like it were a thrift store, and they came up with some bargains. The team didn’t splash out on the Nieman Marcus picks, the Max Scherzer‘s, and Craig Kimbrel‘s of the world. No, Dave Dombrowski who was rumored to have the green light to add some serious firepower, went down the aisles of the thrift store to see what might happen.
The Phils chose to deal Spencer Howard away, throwing in a couple of Phillies prospects, Kevin Gowdy and Josh Gessner. The Phils add from Texas, Kyle Gibson, Ian Kennedy, and a prospect Hans Crouse. So two of the three will be an immediate help for the Phillies. If it plays outright it would be a masterful move cause the Phillies also got some cashback in the deal to the tune of $4M.
The Phillies have acquired right-handed pitchers Kyle Gibson, Ian Kennedy and Hans Crouse along with cash considerations from the Texas Rangers in exchange for right-handed pitchers Spencer Howard, Kevin Gowdy and Josh Gessner. pic.twitter.com/9PTbzANO9K
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 30, 2021
Is this helping the Phillies get to the playoffs? Probably not, as they needed a little bit more, but this little bit more will help them down the road. We’re still looking at a .500 ballclub here, no telling if even more reinforcements would propel them to the playoffs. They still have heart, and given some assistance as they have here, the Phillies didn’t give up a whole lot for it. Now Kyle Gibson, the centerpiece of this trade has had his fair share of problems this season, he’s 0-3 in his last 7. Time will tell if the change of scenery helps him.