Phillies, Royals discussing potential Moustakas deal

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

The Philadelphia Phillies have been talking to teams about acquiring a third baseman. The latest team the Phillies have talked to are the Kansas City Royals.

The Phillies and Royals are discussing a potential Mike Moustakas trade. While there are ongoing discussions, nothing appears to be imminent.

The Royals have sent scouts to evaluate the Phillies minor league system, in case the two sides come to an agreement.

The 29-year-old Moustakas has spent his entire career with the Royals, including two All-Star Game appearances and a 2015 World Series Championship. This season is his eighth season with the Royals.

This season, through 78 games, he has a .255 batting average with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs. He also has 17 doubles and one triple through 77 hits.

Moustakas is the latest third baseman the Phillies have expressed interest in. They have also called the Texas Rangers about Adrián Beltré, who will be a free agent at the end of the season.

Beltré, along with former Phillies Cole Hamels and Jake Diekman, are expected to be dealt before the July 31st trade deadline. Hamels has a $20 million option for next season, or a $6 million buyout. His option will kick in if he reaches 400 innings over the 2017-18 season.

The 39-year-old Beltré is in the final-year of his contract, as he’s making $18 million this season. Diekman will also be a free agent after this season after making $2.71 million this season.

Moustakas, on the other hand, has a mutual option for next season at $15 million. This option also includes a $1 million buyout.

The Phillies have also expressed interest Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado, who used to play third base. However, with Machado, there are going to be multiple suitors for his services, as he will be one of the top candidates to be moved before July’s deadline. Machado will be a free agent at the end of the season.

If the Phillies do acquire either Beltré or Moustakas, or another third baseman, the team will likely move on from Maikel Franco. The San Diego Padres have recently expressed interest in dealing for Franco.