The Phillies are ready to go into full-scale rebuild mode and are telling other teams that all players on their roster are available. As several teams including the New York Yankees and the New York Mets look for shortstops, the New York Post's Joel Sherman suggested that Rollins be a trade target in this offseason that is short in supply of shortstops. Would the Phillies, and better yet, Rollins consider the possibility?
Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. did not dismiss the possibility of Rollins being traded while speaking to Sherman, but suggested that when an offer comes in he will leave it up to Rollins:
“Jimmy has 10-and-5 rights (10 years in the majors, five with one club, triggering an automatic no-trade clause), so Jimmy will go only where he wants to go. I have had no conversations with Jimmy about [waiving the no-trade provision] that he has rightfully earned. If it is ever the right time, I will have the conversation, but Jimmy will be the one who decides where he is going".
Upon becoming the Phillies' all-time hits leader, a reporter asked him if he would then be open to a trade if the Phillies were going to completely tear things down. That day is upon us, so it would be curious whether Rollins would accept a trade for the last year of what became his four-year contract with the Phillies. Owed just $11 million in 2014, Rollins would not be that much of a risk for any team acquiring him. Rollins' defense is still strong, even if his bat is not what it once was.
As for the rebuilding Phillies, they could give Freddy Galvis a chance to play shortstop. Galvis has never hit like a major leaguer, but he has the glove for it. While Galvis could easily flirt with the Mendoza line with his bat, he would be a suitable placeholder for the Phillies while they wait for prospect J.P. Crawford to be ready.
Or, perhaps, a suitable shortstop comes back in a trade of another player. Either way, the Phillies' plans are clear: it's time to tear it down. Like Darren Daulton in 1997, Phillies fans may see a favorite with a new club, and hopefully, like Daulton, he wins a World Series.
