Is John Middleton Distancing Himself from the JT Realmuto Sixto Sanchez Trade
Phillies owner John Middleton might be distancing himself from the JT Realmuto trade that sent Sixto Sanchez to Miami. When prospects dont pan out suddenly nobody takes credit for the deals.
Realmuto has been excellent for Philadelphia. One of the best catchers in baseball consistently. The Phillies knew what they were getting and they got it.
NBC Sports Philadelphia examined Middletons recent comments and what they suggest about internal dynamics.
Sanchez was supposed to be a future ace. Electric stuff projectable frame all the tools. Instead hes been injured constantly and hasnt lived up to the hype.
Baseball trades look different with hindsight. The Phillies won this one on results even if they might have gotten lucky.
Ownership taking credit when things go well and disappearing when they dont is standard across all sports. Middleton is just the latest example.
The trade was defensible at the time and looks even better now. Realmuto helped make the Phillies competitive. Sanchez might never help anyone.
Whether Middleton pushed for the deal or just approved it doesnt really matter to fans. They got their catcher and thats what counts.
Analysis 2020
