Texas Rangers: Adrian Beltre to the Philadelphia Phillies?

Texas Rangers third baseman, Adrian Beltre, has been linked as a possible trade candidate with the Phillies according to Jon Paul Morosi of MLB.com.

The Texas Rangers are known sellers in this year’s trade market but what is unknown is whether they will part ways with beloved veteran, Adrian Beltre. The third baseman is one of the best players on the Rangers roster and would command some of the best trade value.

Jon Paul Morosi of MLB.com reported earlier today that the Philadelphia Phillies were considering Beltre as a possible option at third base. This is an interesting destination for Beltre but more importantly confirms suspicions that Texas may part ways Adrian. The Phillies reportedly like Beltre not only for his ability but his veteran leadership in a young locker room. Additionally, JP Crawford just went down with an injury opening up some more playing time on the infield.

Adrian does have full no-trade clause rights which means he would have to approve any trade that is negotiated. It’s unclear at this point whether or not Beltre would be willing to waive those rights if joining a contender. With regards to Philadelphia, they aren’t really considered top tier contenders. They are tied for 2nd in the NL East and are just 3.5 games back of the leading Atlanta Braves. This definitely would be an acquisition that could help propel Philly to a division title and a playoff push.

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Who Could Texas Get Back?

If the Rangers can work something out with the Phillies, who could they get back in return? It’s unlikely that Texas could get one of Philadelphia’s top prospects. However, they could maybe pick up a quality pitching prospect and a couple of lower tier positional prospects. Here are some names to take a look at.

JoJo Romero (LHP)

Romero was a 4th round pick in the 2016 draft and has worked his way up to Double-A Reading where he’s 4-5 with a 4.82 ERA. At 21 years old, he’s not too far away from the Majors and features a 5-pitch arsenal that includes a plus fastball, cutter and changeup. MLB.com’s Prospect Watch has Romero as the Phillies number 6 prospect.

Franklin Kilome (RHP)

Another pitcher, Kilome signed with the Phillies in 2013. A 6’6″ right hander, he has an overpowering fastball but needs to develop a quality second pitch. MLB.com considers the 22-year old as the Phillies number 7 prospect. In Double-A Reading, Kilome is 1-4 with a 4.66 ERA.

Ranger Suarez (LHP) 

This may be a match made in heaven right here. A guy named Ranger? Too good to pass up. But seriously Suarez is another quality pitching prospect who features a very good changeup to pair with a good fastball. Another 22-year old, Suarez is in Double-A Reading and currently is 3-3 and a 3.04 ERA. He’s ranked as the number 9 prospect in the Phillies system.

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Now this is all just interest currently and nothing firm is being discussed. But, Philly could be a good landing spot for Beltre and Texas might be able to command some decent return if a move is made.