In a surprising move, the Phillies announced officially the Ken Giles trade with the Astros that was much different than we originally learned. The deal was agreed upon in the Winter Meetings in Nashville, TN but was reworked after player physicals. The Phillies are getting different pieces back – and one is impressive.
The Phillies issued the following press release:
The Phillies have traded right-hander Ken Giles and infielder Jonathan Arauz to the Houston Astros in exchange for right-handed pitchers Vincent Velasquez, Mark Appel, Thomas Eshelman and Harold Arauz, as well as left-hander Brett Oberholtzer, Vice President & General Manager Matt Klentak announced today.
The issue may have been a concern with a physical from a player involved, most likely outfielder Derek Fisher.
Mark Appel is a significant piece in return for the Phillies. Appel was the first overall draft pick in 2013. Appel controversially turned down $4 million to sign with the Pirates in 2012 and instead went back to college. Appel has battled injuries, perhaps making him available.
Appel has a friend in Philadelphia already:
Where's my boy @ZERTZ_86 at? High school teammates. Same college. Now pros in the same city. Why am I not surprised?
— Mark Appel (@MAppel26) December 12, 2015
The Phillies still landed their two big pitchers in the original deal, Vincent Velazquez and Brett Oberholtzer. The Phillies also added shortstop Jonathan Arauz to the package to make the deal, but got back pitchers Thomas Eshelman and Harold Arauz as well. So that means the Phillies got five pitchers back total.
MLB.com updated their top 30 prospects for both teams. Jonathan Arauz is now rated the 18th best prospect in the Astros' system. Appel became the Phillies' second-best prospect in their system, while Eshelman ranked 13th. Oberholtzer and Velazquez will not rank, as they spent significant time in the Major Leagues.
