The Phillies are close to making a deal to acquire third baseman Michael Young from Texas in exchange for a low-level prospect and a reliever. The reliever is said to be Michael Stutes. This move is not the ideal fit for Philadelphia, but it is something that will serve as a bridge from the current Phillies team to the team of the future.
Young, who is 36 years old, has a no-trade clause in effect because he’s been in the majors for over 10 years and has spent five years with his current team. He may not see Philly as an ideal go-to spot, but it’s more likely he will accept the trade and join what is already considered an aging lineup in the City of Brotherly Love.
For the Phillies, Young would serve as the starting third baseman for 2013. He would become a free agent after next season and, at that point, the Phils could either turn to their third baseman of the future, Cody Asche, or they could offer Young a short-term extension to prolong his career with the Phillies and give Asche more time to grow in the minors.
The best part about the deal for Philadelphia is Texas will reportedly pay half of Young’s salary for 2013. The Phils will fill what was considered a big void in their lineup by adding a right-handed bat, and they still may be able to sign a key free-agent center fielder, such as Michael Bourn or Young’s current teammate, Josh Hamilton.
The trade would not be considered a blockbuster, but it is the type of move the Phillies need to make to compete in the tough National League East. Ironically, getting Young will make the Phillies older, but getting old isn’t always a bad thing.
