The reigning National League champions made a significant strike before the MLB Trade Deadline. The Philadelphia Phillies acquired right-handed pitcher Michael Lorenzen from the Detroit Tigers in a huge trade Tuesday afternoon.
ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan wrote, “The Philadelphia Phillies are in agreement on a trade to acquire right-handed starter Michael Lorenzen from the Detroit Tigers.”
The Philadelphia Phillies are in agreement on a trade to acquire right-handed starter Michael Lorenzen from the Detroit Tigers, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 1, 2023
Jayson Stark later added that the deal was a player-for-player swap with Lorenzen going to the Phillies and second base prospect Hao-Yu Lee of the A+ Jersey Shore BlueClaws.
Confirming Phillies-Tigers deal of Michael Lorenzen for Hao-Yu Lee.
The Phillies are likely to go to a 6-man rotation temporarily since their next off day isn't until Aug. 14.
Then they'll reassess.
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) August 1, 2023
Lorenzen was among the top rental pitchers on the market. His contract will expire after this season as the 2023 American League All-Star hurler will hit the free agent market for the first time. He is making $8.5 million on a one-year deal negotiated through arbitration.
The Cincinnati Reds drafted Lorenzen in the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft in the Competitive Balance round as the No. 38 overall pick. Since then, across nine years in MLB and 676.2 innings pitched, he’s posted a career ERA of 4.02. He’s thrown 574 career strikeouts and issued 268 walks.
In 2023, Lorenzen has gone 5-7, posted a 3.58 ERA in 105.2 innings pitched, logged 83 strikeouts, and just 27 walks. The Phillies hope that he can join the team and work as a starter and potentially as a relief pitcher as well.
The MLB world reacted to the huge Phillies trade.
Michael Lorenzen was an all-star this season.
Relievers are so volatile year to year… am a big believer in just picking up guys that are hot. Good job, Phillies.
Now please help the offense. pic.twitter.com/SoHhHPfdzp
— John Foley (@2008Philz) August 1, 2023
Phillies trade for pitcher Michael Lorenzen.
The South Philly Shohei pic.twitter.com/cjU27X9yWv
— Crossing Broad (@CrossingBroad) August 1, 2023
Michael Lorenzen is
✅at least 30
✅plays for a team Dombrowski worked for
✅lets him trade a prospect🚨That’s a DD deal🚨
— Justin Klugh (@justin_klugh) August 1, 2023
Michael Lorenzen is good. All Star this year. Could be a merchant of the ball park/division he plays in but his spin rates are at an elite level.
Has life on his fastball, is a rental.
— Philly Nation (@Philly__Nation) August 1, 2023
