If the Philadelphia Phillies want to add some offensive punch to their lineup, they might have to be willing to give up something big.

How big?

Well, over at ESPN.com, MLB writer David Schoenfield lists a trade for Minnesota Twins centerfielder Byron Buxton and lists two big Phillies prospects as the compensation to get Buxton in return.

A Power-Speed Threat in Centerfield

Buxton, 31, is representing the Twins in the Major League Baseball All-Star game and is having an outstanding season, hitting .270 with 20 home runs, 53 RBI, 16 stolen bases, and a .879 OPS this year in Minnesota.

Injury Concerns Still Loom

One issue with Buxton has been health; he has played in over 100 just twice in his 11-year career, but he would be a major upgrade offensively and is a very good centerfielder and would add a right-handed bat that could hit in the middle of the Phillies’ lineup.

So what would it take?

The Proposed Deal: Buxton for Painter and Crawford

According to Schonfield, the two players that he proposed to send to Minnesota to acquire Buxton would be Andrew Painter and Justin Crawford.

Andrew Painter – The Future Ace?

The big name here is Painter, who the Phillies seem unlikely to deal, but would they break down and move him to land a player like Buxton to help their centerfield issue and to find a right-handed bat that they have lacked?

Here is how Schonfield explained why the team could include Painter:

Trading Painter would be painful, but the Phillies remain deep in the rotation with Zack Wheeler (signed through 2027), Cristopher Sanchez (signed through 2030), Aaron Nola (signed through 2030) and Jesus Luzardo (under team control through 2026). Ranger Suarez, who’s having an excellent season, is heading into free agency, so he’s the one arm they might lose.

Justin Crawford – Contact Hitter With Speed

The other piece in the deal, Crawford, could be an upgrade over what the Phillies have, but he doesn’t offer much power or hit right-handed, though he has excelled against lefties this season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

The 21-year-old Crawford is a divisive prospect (he’s No. 49 in the MLB.com rankings) because while he’s hitting for a high average at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, he hits the ball on the ground too much and has only two home runs. Still, there’s a chance he produces a good OBP and plus defense with his speed.

Would You Make the Move?

So, Phillies fans, are you willing to part with Painter and Crawford to land Buxton?  Let us know in the comment section or on the free mobile app!

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