Report: Phillies to Acquire Swarzak in Segura Deal

The reported deal that will send All Star shortstop Jean Segura to the Philadelphia Phillies is not yet complete. However, more details are emerging. Earlier reports had shortstop J.P. Crawford and first baseman Carlos Santana headed to the Mariners, and that appears to be the case. But another name could be headed to Philadelphia: reliever Anthony Swarzak.

If it is indeed Swarzak, hopefully Swarzak's family did not buy any Mariners gear. However, Jayson Stark of the Athletic is reporting that it is

NOT Swarzak in the deal, but another veteran player:

Earlier today I suggested such a piece might be former Phillies reliever Juan Nicasio. The Phillies had Nicasio for a week in 2017 (yes, literally a week) and the Phillies were reportedly interested in bringing him back last season. He signed a two-year, $17 million deal with Seattle and is owed $9 million in 2019.

Swarzak was part of the Robinson Cano trade with the New York Mets. Seattle took Swarzak and outfielder Jay Bruce from the Mets in order to help unload Cano's contract to New York. It appears that the Mariners are acquiring other assets they may hope to unload later.

That could be the case with Santana, too.

Others indicate there could be a prospect involved in the trade, but who that is is currently unknown.

Swarzak is a bounce-back candidate. After going 0-2 with a 6.15 earned run average with the Mets last year, Swarzak will look to replicate his successful 2017, when he went 6-4 with a 2.33 earned run average between the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago White Sox.

The Phillies will have a crowded bullpen with veterans Tommy Hunter and Pat Neshek all throwing from the right side and with the Phillies reportedly in the market for a closer. However, some reports had the Phillies shopping Hunter or Neshek. Perhaps either player or Swarzak balance salaries in a future deal.

Expect the Phillies to do more. Stay tuned.