While the non-waiver trade deadline has passed, the Philadelphia Phillies remain active on the trade market.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Phillies have agreed to a deal receiving first baseman Justin Bour and cash from the Miami Marlins for a minor league pitcher.
#Phillies acquiring 1B Justin Bour and cash from #Marlins for a minor-league pitcher, sources tell The Athletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 10, 2018
It’s a surprising move for a team receiving solid production from first baseman Carlos Santana, who they signed to a multi-year deal this offseason. He has appeared in 114 games at first base this season for Philadelphia and posted a .356 OBP with 64 RBI and 17 home runs.
Bour has posted similar numbers this season as Miami’s primary first baseman. Across 112 games, the 30-year-old posted a .347 OBP, .759 OPS and hit 19 home runs. Bour had a career-best season in 2017 with a .289 batting average, but has posted only a .227 average this season.
It’s likely that Philadelphia will shift Bour into a primary role as the team’s top pinch hitter. He is eligible for arbitration in the 2019 and 2020 seasons, then will become a free agent.