Though the Phillies would still insist on top talents such as outfielder Mookie Betts or catcher Blake Swihart as a starting point in a trade that sends ace Cole Hamels to Boston, they are also impressed with outfielder Manny Margot, reports CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman.
The Red Sox remain the favorite to land Hamels due to their talent depth in the farm system and their desire to snag a top-flight starter.
Betts, however, might come with a bit of concern, according to one scout, who texted that though he's a good athlete, "I'm not sure about his ability to hit. You have to hit. He likes the ball in ... can't hit the ball away."
As for Swihart, the same scout reported that he's ready for the big leagues offensively, but not defensively.
Margot is off to a superb start at Class A Advanced Salem. He boasts a slash line of .324/.377/.515 in 68 at-bats with 16 runs scored and nine stolen bases.