This is a little surprising, given the substantial return. Late last week, the Phillies were rumored to be one of the teams potentially pursuing outfielder Ian Happ, with the goal of adding to center field, in particular. There was even a rumor that catching prospect Logan O’Hoppe would be a part of the return. But from the sounds of it, they went in a different, more glove-focused direction with Brandon Marsh.
O’Hoppe is a SIGNIFICANT return for Brandon Marsh, who’s hitting just .226/.284/.353 (80 wRC+). He’s a far better defender than Happ, and he’s also just 24 with 5.5 years of control, but still … I have to imagine the Phillies would’ve preferred Happ, all else equal. At the same time, the Phillies do have plenty of pop in their lineup already, so maybe this really was all about adding defense.
Just seems like it shouldn’t have been this pricey. Another Happ suitor comes off the board, with just over two hours before the deadline.
Ope. And just like that the Phillies just acquired Cubs closer David Robertson. More on that coming shortly.