Overview
- Scott Lauber’s June 27 proposal would send Mick Abel, Single-A phenom Aroon Escobar and catcher Rafael Marchan to the Twins for All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton and closer Jhoan Duran.
- Kerry Miller’s June 29 scenario calls for Abel and a lower-ranked prospect to land Buxton, underscoring the Phillies’ urgent need to upgrade their outfield.
- Byron Buxton has slashed .286/.352/.575 with 19 home runs, 51 RBIs and 15 stolen bases over 66 games while ranking among baseball’s elite defensive center fielders.
- Jhoan Duran has posted a 1.69 ERA with 12 saves and 42 strikeouts in 37.1 innings, featuring a 100.2 mph fastball and plus split-finger offering.
- Philadelphia leads the NL East by half a game but faces mounting deadline pressure after José Alvarado’s suspension and underperformance by Johan Rojas and Brandon Marsh.