Should the Philadelphia Phillies Make a Deal for Carlos Beltran or Hunter Pence?

“I’m not talking about any trades.” These are the words uttered by Ruben Amaro Jr. on Friday night according to CSN reporter Jim Salisbury. In the end, this is probably just a defense mechanism for Amaro, but there is no secret the Phillies need to seriously consider a deal prior to the trade deadline, if they want to parade down broad street in November. 

So the question is, who should the Phillies target? The team has already been linked to numerous players such as San Diego Padres reliever Heath Bell, New York Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran and Houston Astros right fielder Hunter Pence. 

The Phillies’ most glaring problem is their offense and that is why their priority should be acquiring a bat. They have managed quite fine with Antonio Bastardo filling in for Ryan Madsen, not to mention rookie Michael Stutes who has performed well going 4-1 with a 3.42 ERA while Brad Lidge was activated on July 22 prior to the Phillies game against the Padres. Therefore, a trade for Heath Bell may not be needed. 

However, the bats of either Carlos Beltran or Hunter Pence could provide an upgrade to the Phillies lineup and give Ryan Howard the protection he has been lacking since the departure of Jayson Werth. 

Beltran, age 34, has underachieved in New York after he signed a seven-year, $119 million contract which ends after this season. The career .282 hitter has turned in a good season thus far, hitting .289 with 15 home runs and 62 RBI. What makes Beltran so enticing is that the Mets will reportedly pay the $6 million remaining on his contract this season. This almost guarantees that some team will make a deal for Beltran even if it is only a rental for this season.

Hunter Pence is a four-year pro who has already made two all-star appearances (2009, 2011). The 2004 second-round draft pick has lived up to all the expectations. He is currently batting .312 with 11 home runs and 61 RBI. If the Phillies did make a move for Pence, they would owe him approximately $3.45 million (pro-rated portion of his $ 6.9 million per season) and he would remain under contract until 2013.

The biggest obstacle in the way of the Phillies is their second highest payroll in the majors at $175 million, which only gives them $3 million to maneuver with before the luxury tax kicks in.  They would most certainly have to deal a young talented player like Vance Worley or Dominic Brown (see here). All of this depends on whether the Phillies are poised to make a deal for the moment or if they have the future in mind. 

If they are thinking about right now, then trading Brown and acquiring Beltran would be the move—if they have the future in mind, then maybe a deal for Pence involving Worley would be the decision.

I’m sure there is a consensus that the Phillies must improve there offense and do it quickly.  

Also on Phillies101.com 

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