By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly Staff 
The Philadelphia Phillies pulled off their first big move of the offseason on Monday, acquiring All-Star shortstop Jean Segura along with relievers Juan Nicasio and Jamez Pazos for first baseman Carlos Santana and shortstop J.P. Crawford. In the deal, the Phils solidified two big pieces of their infield, adding Segura and opening up first base for Rhys Hoskins.
The Phillies were also pursuing Mariners closer, Edwin Diaz, in their talks with Seattle. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that Philadelphia was pursuing a package that included both Segura and Diaz. Phillies top prospect Sixto Sanchez was apparently part of those discussions, but Matt Klentak decided it was better not to part ways with the organization's top arm. Diaz ended up going to the Mets with Robinson Cano in exchange for two of MLB's top 100 prospects.
The Phillies pursued a Segura/Díaz package, and, according to sources, the discussions included their top prospect, right-hander Sixto Sanchez, who did not pitch after June 3 last season due to right elbow inflammation.
But the Phils pulled back, deciding they would not empty their farm system for four years of a reliever, even one as good as Díaz, sources said. Their preference, unlike that of the Mets, is to acquire a top reliever through free agency, with left-handers Zach Britton and Andrew Miller among their targets.
Sanchez didn't pitch after June 3 last season due to elbow inflammation. The 20-year-old native of the Dominican Republic has posted a 15-12 record and a 2.48 ERA in 48 games with the Phillies organization. He was limited to just eight games in 2018, but still performed well, posting a 2.51 ERA with 45 strikeouts in 46.2 innings.
