Kansas City Royals: Two potential trades involving Jorge Soler
By Cody Rickman
A trade to the Philadelphia Phillies will only make sense if the designated hitter rule is applied to both leagues. For the 2021 season, the designated hitter rule has not been decided yet for the National League. The Phillies are in win-now mode and failing to make the playoffs in consecutive seasons following the signing of Bryce Harper could make the front office urgent to add more talent to get the ball-club over the hump.
- Adonis Medina, RHP – 24 years old for 2021 season
- Mickey Moniak, OF – 23 years old for 2021 season
Adonis Medina had a tremendous amount of helium as a younger prospect, but has leveled out, as he has risen higher in the Phillies farm system. Medina features an above-average sinking fastball, which can he can run up to 96-mph to generate ground-balls and limit home runs.
Medina’s off-speed offerings are a slider and change-up. The change-up is his best pitch, rating out consistently as plus. The slider is slightly above-average and it is effective at generating weak contact.
Medina has slightly above-average control, but his stuff is geared more for generating weak contact outs than strike-outs. He still has a ceiling of a number three/four type starter (FIP: 3.70). He could be very efficient and effective with a strong defense behind him.
Mickey Moniak was the No. 1 overall draft selection in 2016 in what was considered a draft devoid of a clear-cut number one overall pick. The Phillies signed Moniak to an under-slot deal to increase options for later picks in the draft. The expectations and pressure of being a No. 1 overall pick may be the culprits the slow development of Moniak.
Moniak is still a very toolsy prospect with four out of five tools rating slightly above average or better. He is capable of hitting for a .260 batting average and he has shown recently a more selective approach at the plate. There is some power here, but his power is rated as his lowest tool.
Moniak will need to prove himself some more at the plate to elevate his power output. He is a plus runner and makes smart decisions on the base-paths. He handles himself well in the outfield and should be able to handle centerfield duties.