With the Phillies still in first place in late July, Matt Klentak has said the team is likely to make a move.
The latest rumor has the Phillies improving their bench. The team has reportedly talked to the Blue Jays about veteran outfielder Curtis Granderson, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
Though the 37-year-old is not the player he once was, he would be an upgrade over what the Phillies currently have. Struggling outfielder Aaron Altherr (.171/.290/.595) was optioned to Triple A and J.P. Crawford is still recovering from a fractured left hand. The team’s current bench consists of Jesmuel Valentin (.182), Mitch Walding (hitless in 12 big league at-bats), Trevor Plouffe and whichever catcher has the night off.
Granderson is a veteran that can give Gabe Kapler a professional at-bat, has some pop and can play all three outfield spots. He’s hitting .230/.337/.417 with nine homers and 29 RBI in 235 at-bats this season with Toronto. He's also a free agent at the end of the season and is owed around $1.7 million. It won't cost the Phils much to acquire the 15-year vet.
It’s been reported by NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jim Salisbury that the Blue Jays have already been scouting the Phillies’ farm system in a possible trade for Toronto starter and former Phil J.A. Happ. Perhaps Granderson could be part of a bigger trade including Happ and/or third baseman Josh Donaldson? In either case, the Blue Jays should have a head start in picking out the prospect(s) of their liking.