Photo: Philliedelphia/Steve Trapani
The Phillies plans to rebuild are well-known around baseball, and some teams have begun to consider the Phillies' assets for their own clubs. Many reports have put the Phillies willing to eat significant money in order to move first baseman Ryan Howard and clear a position for some young talent. One report suggests that the Phillies may have a trade partner.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Kansas City Royals have had some discussions about acquiring the Phillies first baseman:
They believe he just might be the perfect fit to replace Billy Butler as their everyday DH, and considering they didn't have a single player hit 20 homers or drive in 75 runs last year, he may be the power threat the Royals need to return to the World Series.
Howard did hit those two statistics and his numbers could be aided by not having to play the field.
A few weeks ago I suggested that the Kansas City Royals could be a good fit for Howard. Butler's $12.5 million option was too rich for the Royals and they let him hit free agency. Howard could be a bargain at perhaps $5 million a year for any team that acquires him. Even with his shortcomings, the Missouri native could be a value for the small market team who will not be a player in the offensive free agents in this market.
The Phillies likely would respect little in return; even backup catcher Erik Kratz would do (the Phillies need one since Wil Nieves is a free agent). The move would be very valuable in that the Phillies could turn the page to a new era and look ahead instead of wallowing in the past.
