Phillies Rumors: Angels “Extensively Examined” Cesar Hernandez

The MLB general managers meetings begin today in Orlando, Florida.  This usually means that with all of the game's general managers in one place, many deals are made.  One team is on the hunt for a second baseman, and they may have set their sights on a Phillies infielder.

According to Pedro Moura of the Los Angeles Times, the Phillies might be a match for their need with Cesar Hernandez.

A trade is possible. The Angels have filled infield vacancies in each of the last two seasons via deals with Washington, and they extensively examined Philadelphia’s Cesar Hernandez this season.

Moura lists the Marlins and Dee Gordon as another possibility.

The Philies might be a particularly good match in a trade, as Hernandez is due a much lesser salary than Gordon.  Hernandez probably earns under $5 million in arbitration this season.  However, Hernandez remains under control for another three seasons. Gordon has the same amount of control, but is due $38 million along the way.

The Marlins will be eager to shed salary prior to the 2018 season, but may not be able to take back any major league contracts with salaries attached to them.  The Angels are likely at the higher-end of where their payroll will be and they have to add a few more players, so Hernandez might be better for them.

On the other end, the Angels might have a few options on their major league roster to trade, with as many as eight starting pitchers.  Pitchers Matt Shoemaker and Tyler Skaggs have underperformed or been injured as of late, but could be worth a look.  You won't find the Angels in any top farm system rankings, but they might have some lower-level trade pieces to supplement any such arms. Shoemaker and Skaggs probably will have salaries at or below that of Hernandez.

The Phillies likely will deal either Hernandez or Freddy Galvis as the club looks to make room for rookies J.P. Crawford and Scott Kingery.  Galvis has one year of control left compared to the three Hernandez has.  Galvis could start the season at second base while Kingery develops just a bit more, should the Phillies trade Hernandez.

The Angels have struggled at the second base position since trading Howie Kendrick to the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to the 2015 season.