Report: Phillies Discussed Cesar Hernandez Trade

One story line in the 2016 Phillies season was the emergence of second baseman Cesar Hernandez.  After being blocked by Chase Utley at his natural position and even playing some center field, 2016 was Hernandez's first full chance at an every day job.   After what was a rough start at times, Hernandez became an on-base machine for the Phillies, claiming the lead off hitter job.    Yet, the Phillies could move him in a trade.

Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly reports that the Phillies have spoken about trading Hernandez:

It appears as if the Phillies are looking to capitalize on Cesar Hernandez's brilliant second half by making him a trade chip.

According to multiple sources, Hernandez was a hot name in trade talks at the general managers meetings this week in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Salisbury thinks that the Los Angeles Angels could be a match.

While Hernandez was indeed a really nice player for the Phillies, a trade would make sense.  With J.P. Crawford coming to take a spot in the Phillies infield soon, Freddy Galvis could move to second base.   Some published reports linked the Phillies to Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Howie Kendrick.  Further, the Phillies have Jesmuel Valentin and Scott Kingery at the minor league level who could take over second base.

At the stage of the rebuild the Phillies are working on, Hernandez could net the club prospects.  While Hernandez has become a really nice player, the club is not ready to contend.  If the Phillies can increase organizational depth at a position that is not too difficult to fill, then the club will make out well.

The Phillies signed Hernandez as an amateur free agent out of Venezuela when he was just 16 years old in 2006.