Tigers, Phillies Make Blockbuster Trade

By James Kirk

January 7, 2023

The Detroit Tigers sent All-Star closer Gregory Soto and infielder Kody Clemens to the Philadelphia Phillies for infielder Nick Maton, outfielder Matt Vierling, and catcher Donny Sands in a blockbuster trade.

All-Star Closer Moves to Philly

Acquiring Soto is the latest move by the Phillies to shore up their bullpen after signing veteran free-agent closer Craig Kimbrel. Soto has 48 saves for the Tigers over the past two seasons. He has a tendency to be wild; issuing 74 walks in just 124 innings over that span. He gives manager Rob Thomson another option in the back of their bullpen to go with Kimbrel, and holdover Seranthony Dominguez. Soto will be arbitration eligible for the first time after the 2023 season.

Son of 7-time Award Winner Traded

Clemens is the son of seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens. Kody made his major league debut for the Tigers in 2022, hitting .145 with five home runs and 17 RBI. He also pitched in seven games to a 3.86 ERA.

Shortstop, Outfielder Shipped to Motown

The Phillies are sending Nick Maton to Detroit. Maton has been up and down for the past two seasons; playing 86 games over the past two seasons, mostly at shortstop. He has slashed .254/.434/.764 during his short MLB career.

Vierling, the Philadelphia starting centerfielder for most of 2022, heads to Comerica Park as the main return for the Tigers in this blockbuster trade for Soto. He played 117 games in 2022 hitting .246 with six home runs while driving in 32. His greatest asset is his defensive versatility. He has played in all three outfield spots as well as on the infield over his career.

Minor League catching prospect Donnie Sands is the final piece of the blockbuster trade. Sands spent one year in the Phillies system after being acquired last offseason from the New York Yankees. He spent most of 2022 at Triple A Leigh Valley where he hit .308 with six home runs, and 36 RBI for the Iron Pigs. He was called up in September where he went hitless in three at-bats for the Phillies.

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