Kansas City Royals: Offseason trade targets from NL East
By Cody Rickman
Philadelphia Phillies
Tyler Gilbert, LHP Relief Pitcher
Tyler Gilbert, the 25-year-old (26 in December) reliever, had an excellent 2019 season at hitter friendly AAA Lehigh.
Gilbert produced a 2.83 ERA, 1.112 WHIP, and 46 Ks in 47.2 innings. Gilbert saw his production and consistency improve after being moved to a bullpen role full-time in 2017. Gilbert has been exceptional against left-handed hitters in his bullpen role.
Gilbert tops his fastball out at 93-mph (some ride movement) and has added a cutter to his fastball arsenal which is effective vs right-handed hitters. Gilbert throws an effective slider from his three quarters arm slot against lefties, but the pitch is very hittable from the right side.
Gilbert has throws a splitfinger grip changeup that has nice deception and velocity change. The Phillies didn’t protect Gilbert from the Rule 5 draft in 2018 and are unlikely to protect Gilbert from Rule 5 draft this offseason, making him someone the Royals could attempt to bring in.
Possible trade offer: Cash Considerations