The White Sox added a bit more outfield depth this morning, completing a trade for Adam Haseley of the Phillies. This move was first reported this morning by Ken Rosenthal.
Haseley, 26, is a former first round draft pick of the Phillies. He was taken 8th overall in the 2017 MLB Draft out of the University of Virginia, and was universally thought of pretty highly. There had always been concerns about his ability to develop power, but his plus hit tool and speed were noted during the draft. Keith Law ranked him 11th overall in 2017, and most assumed he would eventually fall into a corner OF position due to his average arm, despite his above-average reads. His low-strikeout profile led to comparisons to Andrew Benintendi during the draft.
Haseley has been part of three seasons for the Phillies, slashing .269/.330/.382 in 107 games during 2019-2020. Haseley was the Opening Day Center Fielder for the Phillies in 2021; however, he stepped away from the team for a brief time due to personal reasons. Upon his return, he was sent to AAA, where he hit just .233/.313/.325 across 56 games. He was still competing for a spot in the Phillies’ outfield during the Spring, and he talked a bit about his 2021 struggles here.
He has shown flashes of his high-ranking ability at times – he had a .720 OPS in 67 games with the Phillies in 2019. However, he has not been able to put it together consistently. Hopefully, his time with a new team will allow him to get the fresh start he deserves and build his status back towards the former first round talent he was viewed as. One thing to note: adding a bit of loft to his swing would help add some line drives and gap-to-gap power to his approach.
In return, the White Sox will be sending RHP McKinley Moore, according to Mark Feinsand. Moore, who is the White Sox’ #27 ranked prospect, is a 22-year-old former 14th round draft pick. He has struggled thus far in his career to throw strikes, and in two full minor league seasons, has a 4.43 ERA. He has some strikeout upside (13.0 K/9) that the Phillies will likely be hoping to tap into.
In the end, this is just a prospect swap for two guys who are hoping for fresh starts with their new clubs.
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Featured Image: MLB Trade Rumors / Twitter
