Phillies rumors: Club ‘would listen’ on trade offers for SS Freddy Galvis

By: Tim Kelly, Managing Editor

With Philadelphia Phillies top prospect J.P. Crawford seemingly closing in on making his major league debut, the man who currently plays shortstop for the team, Freddy Galvis, could become an interesting trade candidate this summer. 

One season after making 17 errors in the field, Galvis, who always demonstrated strong potential as a fielder, ranks as the league's second best fielding shortstop, according to Fangraphs. He's also hit six home runs in 2016, while driving in 22 runs. 

Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball says that the club 'would listen' to any trade offers that may come their way for the 26-year-old shortstop prior to the August 1 non-waiver trade deadline:

''The rising Crawford means the Phillies would listen on Freddy Galvis if anyone calls.''

In all likelihood, 'listening' would be the extent of the Phillies' trade discussions involving Galvis this summer. Though he's never been a particularly strong hitter, Galvis is a very strong fielder, and has experience playing both third base and second base. Once Crawford is called up, Galvis could potentially shift to second base and either split time with Cesar Hernandez or altogether take over as the team's starting second baseman. 

It's also worth considering that though Crawford is expected to be a cornerstone talent for the Phillies, he's never played a game in the major leagues. So while the expectation is that he will be the team's starting shortstop, if he doesn't pan out, Galvis, who is under team control through 2018, wouldn't be the worst fall-back option. He's also someone because of his flexibility in the field and seeming ability to hit well in late-game situations that could potentially thrive on the team's bench in the next few years, and would be especially valuable if the club elects to trade Andres Blanco this summer.