Klentak: Phils active, open-minded in market

PHILADELPHIA — General manager Matt Klentak said the Phillies have been “very active” with trade discussions over the past few days. That is not surprising, because they have a host of players who could help a contender.

The list begins with Jeremy Hellickson, Peter Bourjos and Jeanmar Gomez. Of course, Klentak acknowledged that many of the Phillies’ conversations have led nowhere. But while he said Thursday that he would not handicap the chances of a trade before the Aug. 1 non-waiver Trade Deadline, it would be very surprising if the Phillies remained status quo.

“We’re open-minded to ways to improve our club, both for now and into the future,” Klentak said.

The Phillies have incentives to move Hellickson, Bourjos and Gomez. Hellickson and Bourjos are free agents after the season, and moving them would allow the Phillies to get a longer look at Triple-A Lehigh Valley right-hander Jake Thompson, their No. 2 prospect who is 6-0 with a 0.58 ERA in his last nine starts; outfielder Aaron Altherr, whose rehab assignment ends Wednesday; and possibly Lehigh Valley outfielder Nick Williams, who is the organization’s third-ranked prospect.

Gomez is having a nice season as a closer, but the Phillies might want to …

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