It is almost universally known at this point that the Phillies would love to move left fielder Rhys Hoskins back to first base. But to do that, they must figure out what to do with first baseman Carlos Santana. Santana played some third base, but there are teams who might have interest in Santana, should the Phillies be able to make a trade.
According to Thomas Harding of MLB.com, the Rockies might be a team with interest:
Colorado's interest in Santana, who turns 33 on April 8, as a corner bat is not new. They looked at bidding last offseason… n theory, if Colorado could land Santana, it would free Ian Desmond to move from first base to left field and Ryan McMahon to get his work at second base, where the Rockies feel he could excel.
Harding notes that with the other financial commitments made last offseason, the club fell short of being able to land Santana, who signed a three-year, $60 million deal with the Phillies.
The Santana contract was front-loaded, leaving the total commitment remaining to Santana is $35 million. Santana is set to earn $17 million in 2019 and $17.5 million in 2020. There is a $500,000 buyout or a $17.5 million option for 2021.
Harding notes the Phillies might have to kick in some money, but more importantly, the Phillies hope for a return of prospects. It is unclear how much of a return prospect-wise the Phillies are looking for, but that could depend upon how much money they kick in.
Of course, the Phillies would free up even more money to spend this offseason, so that is a bonus in itself.
