Why Did the Phillies Forget About These Top Prospects?

In 20 21, he b reezed through the Phillies farm system, jumping from High-A to Triple-A in a few short months with a .270/.331/.458 slash line and 17 home runs in 438 bats. His production was so encouraging that the Phillies sent him to the Arizona Fall League with fellow top prospect Bryson Stott.

There he impressed even further, slashing .299/.440/.520 with three home runs in 100 plate appearances. Do these numbers mean O'Hoppe is ready to face big league pitching?

A very firm maybe.

He undoubtedly requires more time in the minor leagues to hone his skills defensively, but O'Hoppe could probably serve as an above-average backup in the major leagues right now.

With two prime candidates on minimum contracts, the Phillies backup catcher conundrum seemed solved, in fact O'Hoppe had vaulted as high as no. 5 on MLB's pre-season Phillies prospect rankings.

But barely a week into spring training, both players had been optioned to Phillies' minor league camp, O'Hoppe on March 21 and Marchan on March 22.

Former Houston Astro Garrett Stubbs will be the man to backup J.T. Realmuto on the Opening Day roster, and additionally acquired Donny Sands will presumably take some reps in Triple-A.

It seems strange that the Phillies were so quick to abandon their catching prospects for 2022, especially so when one considers that there are now four catchers on their 40-man roster.

There are, of course, logical reasons for the Phillies to keep Marchan and O'Hoppe in the minors besides furthering their development, the most exciting of which could be that the Phillies are building their value for a trade.

Keeping one of the two at the major league level as Realmuto's backup could lead to a slump or a loss in confidence. Failing to perform there on a consistent basis could present a precipitous drop in trade value.

But keeping Stubbs, Marchan, Realmuto, and Sands all on the 40-man roster for the entire season doesn't make much sense either—especially given how starved the team is for 40-man space.

One or more of these players will likely be dangled as trade bait before the trade deadline. O'Hoppe's value is especially high, as he's proven to have a legitimate hit tool, and doesn't require a team to make space on their 40-man roster for him just yet.

Potential landing spots for Marchan and O'Hoppe aren't just limited to rebuilding teams since both are near major league ready. Though the Oakland Athletics are certainly an attractive partner due to their ongoing fire sale and litany of pieces that would fit the Phillies roster.

Their crown jewel for the Phillies is Ramón Laureano, a defense-first center fielder who could solve a wide list of problems for Philadelphia. Though any trade package involving Laureano would likely include a little more than just, say, Rafael Marchan on the Phillies' end. Lou Trivino, The A's pegged closer, could also make some sense for the Phils.

The Pittsburgh Pirates could be another trade partner, for such a weak team, they have a fairly strong bullpen and lack a proven backup catcher. A deal could be consummated for a player like Chris Stratton before the season begins Friday.

The Phillies still have a variety of bullpen questions to figure out with just days remaining before Opening Day.

Whatever choice the Phillies make, having more prospects than spots to play them is always a good problem to have. 

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