Report: Phillies Are Actively Looking at Big Name Third Basemen

We have noted in the past that the Phillies and third baseman Maikel Franco appear to be coming to an end of their relationship.  But even with a really strong free agent class coming this next offseason, the Phillies may not wish to wait around to make a move, particularly with J.P. Crawford on the disabled list with a broken hand.   According to a report, the Phillies appear to be discussing pretty much every possible option at third base to acquire this season.

On "Front Office Friday" on MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM, former Nationals and Reds general manager Jim Bowden indicated that the Phillies have been active on the big names potentially available at the trade deadline: third basemen Josh Donaldson, Adrian Beltre, Mike Moustakas and shortstop/third baseman Manny Machado.

"Jon Paul Morosi's report is out there on Beltre and it's absolutely true.  Understand, they] have been in on Machado, they've had a conversation on Moustakas, they've had a conversation on Donaldson, and they've had a conversation on Beltre."

On top of that, Bowden sees the Phillies and the St. Louis Cardinals as perhaps being the only two teams looking for a third baseman this trade deadline.  That bodes well for the Phillies, as the supply seems to exceed the demand.  Of course, it's hard to believe that Machado might not be an upgrade for almost any team in the league.

As for Franco, the third baseman is batting just .240 with an on base percentage of .280.   While he may have the numbers to project to a 25 home-run season, Bowden notes that the on base percentage simply does not cut it.  Bowden sees Franco either included in the trade or relegated to the bench.

Listen to Bowden's full segment below: