Let’s take a look at the players the Phillies traded at the deadline. When evaluating a team’s trade deadline moves, the focus is usually on the new acquisitions and how they’ll impact the team’s pursuit of a pennant and a potential World Series appearance. However, it can also be interesting to check in on the players who left the organization. How are they adjusting to their new teams? Let’s review some of these players, keeping in mind that we’re dealing with very small sample sizes.
Seranthony Domínguez
It was somewhat surprising that the Phillies traded Domínguez. It’s rare for a team to part with a pitcher who has the kind of electric stuff Domínguez possesses, but they had a pressing need in the outfield. Reports suggest that if the Phillies wanted Austin Hays, they had to include Domínguez in the deal—no Domínguez, no trade. Although he had been inconsistent with the Phillies since his stellar 2022 postseason, his ability to strike out hitters in high-leverage situations is a valuable asset, particularly in October. Despite the risk, the Phillies prioritized acquiring Hays.
Since joining the Orioles, Domínguez has thrived. It’s great to see him succeeding in Baltimore, though Phillies fans will be hoping he doesn’t perform as well if the teams face off in the postseason.
Cristian Pache
It was widely expected that Pache would be a DFA candidate for the Phillies after the trade deadline, especially with their intent to upgrade in the outfield. Including him in a trade made sense, so it was amusing when the Orioles, after acquiring him, also designated him for assignment. The Marlins picked him up as they looked to bolster their roster for the remainder of the season. His debut with Miami was underwhelming, but in some ways, he continues to indirectly benefit the Phillies.
Gregory Soto
Soto’s trade to Baltimore was a bit of a surprise, as it seemed odd for the Phillies to trade a piece from their strong bullpen, especially to replenish their farm system. However, once details emerged about Soto’s dissatisfaction in Philadelphia, the move became more understandable. If a player is unhappy with his role, it can create distractions, so trading him made sense. Since joining the Orioles, Soto’s performance has been disappointing, and some fans aren’t thrilled with him. In hindsight, it seems like trading Soto when they did, and receiving actual players in return, was a savvy move by Dave Dombrowski.
George Klassen
Klassen’s trade to the Los Angeles Angels caused some concern among Phillies fans. The Angels aren’t known for developing pitchers, so there was a fear they might rush him to the majors. Klassen, drafted as a reliever, was being developed as a starter by the Phillies and had shown significant progress, climbing prospect rankings and becoming a valuable asset. Ideally, the Angels would have allowed him to develop slowly, but instead, they quickly promoted him to Double-A after just one start.
Samuel Aldegheri
Aldegheri was among the Phillies’ prospects likely to be traded, needing a 40-man roster spot after the season. The Phillies traded him to avoid having to make that decision later. Although he could have provided useful depth in the future, the Phillies have made a habit of trading such players to improve the major league roster. Aldegheri has already made his Double-A debut with the Dodgers and will have the chance to rise quickly through their system. While he would have been nice to have as depth, his trade was part of the Phillies’ strategy to strengthen the big league team.
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