Astros Trade Stocks: Who’s Rising and Falling

Brett Phillips Photo by @QCBanditPhotog.

On the Rise: Brett Phillips

Many Astros fans really don’t want to hear his name pop up in trade conversations, but Brett Phillips has forced himself right to the top of the target list for other teams around the MLB. If Jeff Luhnow decides to sell the farm for any top player around the league, whether it’s an ace or a slugger, Phillips will almost definitely be part of the package. Here’s why:

Since getting the call up to AA Corpus Christi on June 25th, Phillips has posted a .288 batting average with four doubles, three triples, and 5 stolen bases. The only element of his game that hasn’t quite traveled with him from High-A Lancaster is power. Phillips had 15 home runs for the Jethawks before being promoted, but he has yet to hit a home run for the Hooks.

Phillips can play any position in the outfield and make really difficult plays look routine out there. He only has committed two errors in 80 minor league games this year, using his speed and great instincts to make the catch and then taking care of the baseball when it comes to him. He can also use his speed on the basepaths, where he’s always a threat to opposing pitchers.

I, along with many other Astros fans, would love to see Brett Phillips put on an Astros uniform, not a Reds or Padres uniform when he makes his major league debut. The problem is that he’s a great five-tool outfielder who falls into the next tier of prospects that the Astros are tossing around in negotiations this month.

Next: Stock Falling: Chris Carter