PhilaPhans

WOW. Five player deal:

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports the Tigers are close to acquiring Nick Maton, Matt Vierling and Donny Sands from the Phillies in exchange for Soto and Kody Clemens.

Definitely a shakeup on what we through the bench would be in 2023. Lots to assess here.

Gut reaction: I don't love it.

Maton > Clemens

I'm kind of a wash on Vierling, because I think (and they probably think) that Guthrie can handle his bench role.

Why wasn't Morales, who's been DFA'd, included as rumored?

So I guess if you boil it down to the best guys, it's Maton for Soto. They must really see something they like in Soto, which I suppose is possible.

I'm also definitely undervaluing the pricetag of a guy who had 30 saves last year, so there's that. It's not like we gave up anyone irreplaceable.

Dombrowski is swinging a deal to add to the pen but it's gonna cost Maton. It's a shame, I really liked that kid but he probably needs the move to be able to play every day.

So it's Soto for Maton with Vierling thrown in and the Phillies get INF Clemens. Phils also sent C Sands.

Seranthony Dominguez
Jose Alvarado
Craig Kimbrel
Matt Strahm
Gregory Soto
Conor Brogdon
Andrew Bellatti
Sam Coonrod
plus maybe McGarry or someone midseason from the farm

Has the potential to be the best bullpen in a generation

Maton always seemed to get a needed hit, nice lefty swing.

So what's the Opening Day bench now?

Guthrie
Hall
Soto
Clemens
Stubbs

Definitely room for improvement. But also the easiest thing to fix.

BelmontShore wrote: ↑Sat Jan 07, 2023 6:14 pm Maton always seemed to get a needed hit, nice lefty swing.

He's a guy who gave you confidence to plug in if someone goes down 2-3 weeks, but I guess that guy was going to be Sosa anyway, if an infielder goes down. Rooting for him to get a lot of opportunities in Detroit.

Muzziotti's chances of going north have increased, though with all the missed time in 2022, he'd probably benefit from two months playing everyday at Triple-A

It's hard to envision Clemens being able to hit .200 in the majors. Not much there in the way of hitting tools, beyond a little bit of pop.

Tigers must really like Maton & Vierling and intend to plug them into the lineup, because the Phillies definitely win from a perspective of "best impact player in the deal."

Soto is also protection from losing Alvarado in FA after the season. In fact, if there's an intriguing offer on the table, Phillies could even consider trading high on Alvarado.

Wonder if other teams got caught off guard. Soto has 3 more years of team control; could they have gotten more?