A few weeks ago we learned that Jimmy Rollins was not willing to go to the Mets in any trade, but did not necessarily rule out going elsewhere. As the offseason opened, we learned that the Yankees might consider Rollins to take over shortstop in place of the retiring Derek Jeter. Today we learned that the Yankees did indeed reach out to the Phillies.
From Jayson Stark of ESPN.com:
Multiple sources say #Yankees talked to #Phillies about trading for Jimmy Rollins. But asking price was so high, Yanks moved on….
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) November 26, 2014
More on Rollins: Ruben Amaro wouldn't confirm #Yankees interest but said Rollins is "one of best SS in baseball still" (so he'd want a lot)
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) November 26, 2014
Amaro said Rollins is "somebody we want on our club" & would be "very hard to replace." Rollins was never asked to waive no-trade for NYY
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) November 26, 2014
Rollins was never asked because it looks like the Phillies were not really willing to deal him.
The Phillies do indeed have a replacement for Rollins: anybody. It does not really matter who replaces Rollins; in fact, simply clearing Rollins from the middle of the infield will give the Phillies a landing spot for a prospect they might acquire. If the Phillies were to make a trade with the Chicago Cubs, middle infielders are the most appealing prospects. For now, there is no one to put a newly-acquired shortstop in a trade.
Better yet, the Phillies could sign 19 year-old free agent shortstop Yoan Moncada in free agency. Even if he is not ready yet, Freddy Galvis would do just fine making the plays on a rebuilding team. J.P. Crawford? He is no guarantee. Roman Quinn and J.P. Crawford remind me considerably of the "can't miss" duo of Rollins and Reggie Taylor. Only Rollins became something. Ignoring a potential building block just because someone several levels away plays that position is asinine.
So, Jimmy Rollins will likely play the last year of his contract with the Phillies, and they will not re-sign him anyway. Or will they?
