By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor 
The Philadelphia Phillies dealt four veterans at the trade deadline not too long ago, sending Jeremy Hellickson to Baltimore, Howie Kendrick to Washington, Joaquin Benoit to Pittsburgh and Pat Neshek to Colorado. In exchange for the four vetereans, the Phils picked up six prospects who have each made their organizational debuts since the trades. Let’s take a look at how the prospects are faring early on as they begin the next steps of their careers in the Phillies organization.
Phillies acquire RHP Alejandro Requena, RHP J.D. Hammer and SS Jose Gomez from Colorado for Pat RHP Neshek
The Phillies dealt their most effective relief pitcher to the Rockies for their first deal prior to the trade deadline and got three prospects in return, one that was inside Colorado’s Top-25 prospects.
Now ranked as the Phillies No. 19 prospect, shortstop Jose Gomez is back on the field after being on the disabled list during the trade. He’s played in four games total (two in the GCL, two with Clearwater) since joining the Phils, combining to hit 5-for-14 with a double, RBI and a run scored. Prior to getting hurt, Gomez hit .324 with Class ‘A’ Asheville in the Rockies organization with 20 doubles, four homers and 33 RBIs.
Right-hander Alejandro Requena reported to Class ‘A’ Lakewood following the trade and has made two strong starts for Lakewood, posting a 1.64 ERA in 11 innings, striking out seven and walking none. His last start came on August 7, a five-inning outing of shutout baseball, striking out four and scattering three hits.
J.D. Hammer was added to Advanced ‘A’ Clearwater’s roster after the trade and has appeared in three games out of the bullpen for the Threshers. He’s allowed two hits in four innings, striking out four and walking one.
Pat Neshek since trade: 5.1 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, 5.06 ERA
Phillies acquire LHP McKenzie Mills from Washington for IF/OF Howie Kendrick
All Howie Kendrick did while on the Phillies was hit. Despite multiple stints on the disabled list, the Phillies got strong value for the veteran IF/OF, acquiring southpaw McKenzie Mills from the division-rival Nationals. Now ranked as the No. 24 prospect in the Phillies organization by MLB.com, Mills has made one start in High-A ball since getting traded to Philadelphia, allowing one run in five innings of work, striking out one and allowing no walks. His second start with Clearwater will be on Thursday, August 10.
Howie Kendrick since trade: 9 G, .333/.355/.500, 2 2B’s, 1 HR, 2 RBIs, 4 R, 5 K, 1 BB
Phillies acquire LHP Garrett Cleavinger, OF Hyun Soo Kim from Baltimore for RHP Jeremy Hellickson
Hellickson had a tough year in Philadelphia after a strong showing in 2016, so the fact the the Phillies got some value in return is a good thing. Kim provides the Phillies with an extra outfielder and the organization added yet another left-hander to their minor league pitching depth in 23-year-old Garrett Cleavinger. Selected in the third round of the 2015 draft by the Orioles, Cleavinger has appeared in three games for Double-A Reading, allowing three runs on four hits in five innings.
Jeremy Hellickson since trade: 2 GS, 1-1, 13 IP, 11 H, 3 ER, 12 K, 2 BB, 2.08 ERA
Phillies acquire RHP Seth McGarry from Pittsburgh for RHP Joaquin Benoit
Benoit had a solid start to the 2017 season, but as the year progressed, his performance regressed. Luckily, Matt Klentak was able to find a suitor for the veteran right-hander, getting 23-year-old righty Seth McGarry in exchange for him. McGarry has made three appearances for Advanced ‘A’ Clearwater, allowing three runs in three innings of work. Those three runs came in his first outing with the Threshers. He’s tossed a pair of scoreless frames since his debut.
Joaquin Benoit since trade: 3 G, 0-1, 3 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 1 K, 2 BB, 9.00 ERA
