With a reputation for trading prospects for big-name players, President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski is going to be
rumored in every trade, regardless of whether the Phillies are actually involved or not.
The general managers and top executives of each team gathered this week in Las Vegas for the annual GM Meetings. The direction from commissioner Rob Manfred is for teams to operate as if business is usual.
While Manfred can continue to live in his own world, the rest of baseball will certainly not follow such sage advice.
Reports from baseball insider Bob Nightengale suggest several teams are making players available. With the uncertainties surrounding financials, teams may be more willing to try creative deals.
A player reportedly available for trade is Athletics' shortstop Jacob Wilson.
Wilson was the runner-up for the American League Rookie of the Year in 2024 and was once a
top prospect in baseball, before making his debut at the end of the 2023 season.
Injuries have largely kept the young shortstop from taking the next step in this professional career. In late August, Wilson injured his left shoulder, ending his season. This would later require left shoulder labral surgery in September.
He has played in 205 of 324 possible games over the past two seasons. When he is on the field, he produces.
For his career, Wilson holds a .288 batting average with a .741 OPS and elite defensive ability.
He is not much of a power hitter, hitting only 20 home runs across his three seasons. However, Wilson is a contact-driven hitter, which would be key for the Phillies, who
are overhauling their approach at the plate.
Wilson has experience batting leadoff, which could allow the Phillies to have more flexibility in their lineup
Last season, they were stuck with the top of their order being a combination of Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner and Bryce Harper without another
right-hander to move around.
Arguably his best feature in a game of advanced metrics is a lack of strikeouts. Wilson has a career strikeout percentage of 9.1%. For reference, Turner struck out 21% of his at-bats in 2026.
The cost for Wilson would be another factor to consider.
The move would be strictly player capital, likely a top prospect or two being moved to the A's. This, however, would not add to the already large payroll Philly has created, giving them flexibility to make other transactions.
Does he fit?
Miller, who missed most of 2026 with a back injury, has turned heads in the Arizona Fall League. The Phillies' top prospect would have debuted this past season had he been healthy.
With Miller slotting in at third base, the most likely infield will be Miller, Turner, Bryson Stott and Harper.
If that is the case, there does not seem to be a spot for Wilson, if the Phillies are in fact interested.
This reopens the discussion on moving Turner to the outfield.
Moving him to left field, for example, would give the Phillies an additional right-handed bat in their lineup and allow them to prioritize signing another outfielder to play right field.
Being creative this offseason is a requirement for the Phillies if they are going to reshape their roster. Adding a young player who has flashed at the big-league level can be exactly what this organization needs.
