BREAKING: A’s To Pay For Their Mistake After Cut Ties With Another Star
Consider the Phillies’ acquisition of Cristian Pache another triumph for their management. Over time, the Phillies have consistently made trades that have benefited them, such as Logan O’Hoppe for Brandon Marsh and JoJo Romero for Edmundo Sosa. Adding Cristian Pache in exchange for Billy Sullivan last spring training is another feather in Dave Dombrowski’s cap.
The recent release of Sullivan by the Oakland Athletics, who acquired him from the Phillies, underscores the success of this trade. Sullivan struggled in his recent outings for the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators, leading to his release by the Athletics after just two years with the team. In contrast, Pache has become a valuable asset for the Phillies this season, serving as their fourth outfielder.
While the Sullivan-for-Pache trade may not have been a game-changer for the Phillies, it has proven to be a shrewd move, given Pache’s potential and contributions to the team. As a former top prospect, Pache still has room to develop and could provide further value for the Phillies in the future.
Cristian Pache can reestablish his value with a healthy 2024 season
Last year, when the Phillies brought Pache on board through a trade on March 29, they were aiming to address significant gaps in their roster. The absence of Bryce Harper due to Tommy John surgery and Rhys Hoskins’ season-ending knee injury left the outfield and first base positions vulnerable, prompting the team to seek urgent reinforcements.
PHILLIES WALK IT OFF 🚨‼️
Cristian Pache was put in as a pinch runner for Kyle Schwarber in the 8th… then is the 10th-inning HERO!
(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/UN5XZxYnQn
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 16, 2024
Pache kicked off the 2023 season impressively, boasting a .327 batting average along with two homers, seven doubles, and eight RBIs. However, injuries to his meniscus and elbow sidelined him for a considerable duration, impacting his offensive performance when he returned. Additionally, Johan Rojas’ emergence as a stellar center fielder further complicated Pache’s prospects.
Entering this year’s spring training with no minor league options left, Pache faced stiff competition for the fourth outfielder spot from players like Jake Cave, David Dahl, and Jordan Luplow. Cave’s subsequent trade to the Rockies created an opportunity for Pache, though uncertainty lingered given Rojas’ inconsistent hitting.
Despite struggling at the plate with a .154 average and minimal offensive production in limited opportunities, Pache recently made a notable impact as a late-innings substitute, scoring the winning run against the Rockies.
The Phillies made a shrewd move acquiring Pache from the Athletics for a prospect like Billy Sullivan. His reliable outfield defense and potential as a hitter make him an intriguing asset, especially if he can maintain health and secure regular playing time. It presents a positive dilemma for the Phillies as they witness Pache’s development in the MLB.