The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired RHPs Kyle Gibson, Ian Kennedy, Hans Crouse, and cash from the Texas Rangers in exchange for RHP Spencer Howard, Kevin Gowdy, and Josh Gessner.
The Phillies needed pitching and boy did they get pitching in this trade. Gibson and Kennedy are both veterans but each has had a very nice season. He has a 3.8 barrel percentage with a 3.69 xERA as his slider has shined throughout the season. Out of nowhere, he became the ace for the Rangers. Their closer was Kennedy, who used to be a starter. He throws his fastball over 80 percent of the time and has a 3.25 xERA this season. Finally, Crouse was MLB Pipeline’s 9th best Rangers prospect. The 2017 2nd-round pick has had a solid season at AA. Considering what they gave up, this is a nice move for the Phillies. Kennedy is a free agent at the end of the year while Gibson has one more year left under contract.
Gibson, 33, has a 2.87 ERA with 94 strikeouts and a 1.177 WHIP in 113 innings for the Rangers this season. In his MLB career, all for Texas and the Minnesota Twins, Gibson has a 4.42 ERA with 997 strikeouts and a 1.397 WHIP in 1267.1 innings pitched.
Kennedy, 36, has a 2.51 ERA with 35 strikeouts and a 1.052 WHIP in 32.1 innings for the Rangers this year. In his MLB career for Texas, the Kansas City Royals, San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, and New York Yankees, Kennedy has a 4.10 ERA with 1683 strikeouts and a 1.281 WHIP in 1813.2 innings pitched.
Crouse, 22, has a 3.35 ERA with 54 strikeouts and a 0.902 WHIP in 51 innings for AA Frisco this year. In his minor league career, Crouse has a 3.29 ERA with 222 strikeouts and a 1.064 WHIP in 213.1 innings pitched.
The Rangers got three players in exchange for three players, but their side is a lot less exciting. Howard was drafted in the 2nd round of 2017, just ahead of Crouse. He was a major prospect but has not done a whole lot of productive things for the Phillies in his short time with the team. Gowdy was a 2nd rounder in 2016 and Gessner is a young Australian with not a lot of minor league experience.
Howard, 25, has a 5.72 ERA with 31 strikeouts and a 1.482 WHIP in 28.1 innings for the Phillies this year. In his MLB career, all for Philadelphia, Howard has a 5.81 ERA with 54 strikeouts and a 1.557 WHIP in 52.2 innings.
Gowdy, 23, has a 4.46 ERA with 63 strikeouts and a 1.361 WHIP in 61 innings for High-A Jersey Shore this season. In his minor league career, Gowdy has a 4.53 ERA with 125 strikeouts and a 1.551 WHIP in 147 innings.
Gessner, 21, has a 2.21 ERA with 31 strikeouts in 20.1 career minor league innings.
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