NASHVILLE - There is little necessity for an elite-level closer on a rebuilding team. And that philosophy led the Phillies on Wednesday night to trade Ken Giles to the Houston Astros.
According to MLB.com, the Phillies traded Giles for Brett Oberholtzer, Vincent Velasquez, and a minor- leaguer. The deal is pending physicals.
The rebuilding Phillies will likely lose more often then they win next season, which makes a player like Giles expendable. They were able to flip a closer for multiple young pitchers. First-year general manager Matt Klentak has repeatedly said that he wants to "augment" the team's pitching depth.