Spencer Howard was once considered one of the top prospects in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. However, in the summer of 2021, the right-handed pitcher found himself in a trade to the Texas Rangers.
This move shocked many Phillies fans and left them wondering what happened to Howard. In this article, we will examine the details of the trade and what could be next for the young pitcher.
Who is Spencer Howard?
Background and Early Career
Spencer Howard is a professional baseball player who was born on July 28, 1996, in Templeton, California, United States. He attended Templeton High School in California and played college baseball at Cal Poly-Pomona. Philadelphia Phillies drafted Howard in the second round of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft.
Howard made his professional debut in 2017 for the Gulf Coast League Phillies. In 2018, he appeared in 23 games for three different teams in the Phillies’ minor league system.
In 2019, he started the season with the Clearwater Threshers of the Advanced-A league and was then promoted to the Reading Fightin Phils of the Double-A league.
Overview of His Stats and Performance
Spencer Howard is a right-handed pitcher and has a good fastball that touches 98 miles per hour. According to MLB Pipeline, he is ranked as the Phillies’ top prospect and the 31st overall prospect in baseball.
Howard has a 2.87 ERA in 125 innings pitched with 147 strikeouts and a 1.13 WHIP. In 2021, he played in 7 games for the Phillies and has a 5.72 ERA in 28.1 innings pitched with 23 strikeouts and a 1.47 WHIP.
Howard’s best performance in Major League Baseball came on May 26, 2021, in a game against the Miami Marlins. He pitched five shutout innings, allowed three hits, one walk, and struck out four batters to earn his first career win.
However, he struggled in his subsequent appearances and was eventually sent back to the minor leagues to work on his command and mechanics.
In conclusion, Spencer Howard is a talented young pitcher and has shown great potential in his minor-league career. However, he is yet to find his footing at the Major League level, and Philly’s decision to trade him to the Rangers may provide him with a fresh start to showcase his abilities.
It remains to be seen how his career will unfold, but he has the tools to become an impactful player in the future.
Why did the Phillies Trade, Howard?
Evaluate Spencer Howard’s Performance and Struggles
The Phillies likely began the decision-making process by evaluating Spencer Howard’s performance in the major leagues. Despite being a highly touted prospect, Howard struggled to find consistent success at the big league level, posting a high 5.99 ERA in 11 appearances.
This would have raised concerns about his ability to perform at the major league level and contribute to the team’s immediate needs.
Assess the Development Timeline
The Phillies would have assessed Howard’s development timeline and whether it aligned with their expectations and needs.
If they felt that his progress was slower than anticipated, they may have decided that they needed to make a move to bolster their pitching staff more immediately. This evaluation would have played a crucial role in their decision to trade Howard.
Consider the Team’s Competitive Goals
The Phillies’ desire to compete for a playoff spot would have been a significant factor in their decision-making process. Despite a strong start to the season, the team’s starting pitching became a weak spot due to injuries and underperformance from key starters.
To address this weakness and improve their chances of making a playoff push, the Phillies would have recognized the need to acquire experienced pitchers who could make an immediate impact.
Identify Potential Trade Targets
After assessing their needs and goals, the Phillies would have identified potential trade targets that could strengthen their pitching staff. In this case, the acquisition of Kyle Gibson and Ian Kennedy from the Texas Rangers would have been attractive options.
Both players bring experience and could provide immediate improvement to the Phillies’ rotation and bullpen depth.
Evaluate Trade Value and Negotiate With the Rangers
To execute the trade, the Phillies would have assessed Spencer Howard’s trade value. Despite his struggles in the majors, Howard is still considered a top prospect with potential.
The Phillies would have recognized that his value might be highest at this point in time, considering the continued belief in his future potential.
Negotiations with the Texas Rangers would have taken place to finalize the trade details. The Phillies likely offered Howard, along with prospects Kevin Gowdy and Josh Gessner, to entice the Rangers to agree to the trade.
Assess the Overall Trade Package
Once the trade package was agreed upon, the Phillies would have assessed the overall value of the trade. They would have weighed the potential long-term value of Spencer Howard against the immediate impact that Kyle Gibson and Ian Kennedy could provide.
If the Phillies believed that the trade would significantly improve their chances of competing for a playoff spot, they would have proceeded with the trade.
Finalize the Trade and Announce the Decision
Once all parties agreed to the terms, the trade would have been finalized. The Phillies would have made the decision public, announcing the trade of Spencer Howard to the Texas Rangers, along with the prospects involved.
What does Howard bring to the Rangers?
Howard’s strengths and weaknesses
Spencer Howard is a talented young pitcher who possesses a four-seam fastball that can reach the upper 90s, a wipeout slider, and a solid changeup. He has shown an ability to strike batters out with his fastball/slider combination and is considered a top-100 prospect by many baseball publications.
However, Howard has struggled to put it all together consistently at the major league level, as he has dealt with injuries and has not been as dominant as expected. He has also struggled with his command at times, leading to elevated walk rates and higher pitch counts.
Potential impact on the Rangers’ pitching rotation
With his impressive arsenal of pitches, Howard has the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation starter for the Rangers in the near future. He will likely start his Rangers career in the minor leagues to continue developing before being called up to the majors.
By acquiring Howard, the Rangers have added another talented young arm to their pitching staff, which already includes top prospects such as Dane Dunning and Kolby Allard. If Howard can live up to his potential, he could be a key piece of the Rangers’ rotation for years to come.
Howard’s new team and their current standings
The Texas Rangers are currently in a rebuilding phase and are not expected to compete for a playoff spot this season. They currently sit in last place in the American League West with a record of 38-69.
However, there is reason for optimism in Texas, as their farm system is filled with talented prospects who could be part of a bright future for the franchise. In addition to their young pitchers, the Rangers’ farm system includes promising hitters such as Josh Jung and Sam Huff.
With Spencer Howard now part of the Rangers’ organization, the future is looking brighter for this young and promising team. While it may take some time for them to compete at a high level, the Rangers are building a solid foundation for sustained success.
How Will the Trade Affect Howard’s Future?
Potential Opportunities and Challenges With the Rangers
For Spencer Howard, the trade to the Texas Rangers means a fresh start with a new team that is currently rebuilding. There may be more opportunities for him to gain playing time and establish himself as a starting pitcher.
However, he will also face the challenge of adapting to a new team, coaching staff, and a different playing environment.
Additionally, the Rangers have struggled this season, currently sitting at the bottom of the American League standings. Therefore, Howard may face the challenge of pitching for a team that is not currently performing well.
Thoughts on Howard’s potential for growth and development
Although Howard has struggled at times during his Major League career, many believe that he still has significant potential for growth and development. He is still just 25 years old and has shown flashes of brilliance during his time with the Phillies.
With the right coaching and support, there is a chance that Howard could become a top-tier starting pitcher in the league. However, there are also concerns about his durability and ability to pitch deep into games, which will need to be addressed if he is to reach his full potential.
How the Trade Will Impact His Career Trajectory
It is too early to say how the trade will impact Howard’s career trajectory. On one hand, he will have the opportunity to work with a new coaching staff and gain more playing time.
On the other hand, the Rangers are not currently performing well, and Howard will need to pitch in a challenging environment. Additionally, the pressure of being traded and the need to prove himself to a new team could impact his mental and physical performance.
Overall, the trade to the Texas Rangers represents both opportunities and challenges for Howard. It will be interesting to see how he adapts to the new team and coaching staff and whether he is able to continue to develop as a pitcher.
Who Drafted Darick Hall?
Darick Hall was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies. He was selected in the 14th round. The draft was part of the 2016 MLB June Amateur Draft. Hall had previously attended Dallas Baptist University in Texas.
He was a baseball player while at the university. The Phillies identified him as a potential draft pick. Hall likely went through the usual evaluation process for prospects. He may have had to provide information about his stats and skills.
Scouts would have watched him play games in order to assess his abilities. Ultimately, the Phillies felt Hall had the potential to make a contribution to their team.
What Position is Derrick Hall on the Phillies?
Darick Hall is a professional baseball player. He plays for the Philadelphia Phillies organization. Hall primarily plays the position of First Baseman. He was drafted by the Phillies in the 14th round of the 2016 MLB Draft.
Hall started his professional career playing in the Gulf Coast League. He was promoted to the Class-A Lakewood BlueClaws in 2017. While playing for the BlueClaws, Hall hit 27 home runs and had 94 RBIs.
In 2018, Hall played for the Class A-Advanced Clearwater Threshers. He recorded a .246 batting average and hit 14 home runs. Hall is known for his powerful swing and defensive skills at first base.
To Recap
While it may be difficult to see a promising prospect like Spencer Howard leave the Phillies, the fact remains that the team received valuable assets in return. Kyle Gibson, Ian Kennedy, and Hans Crouse will provide much-needed depth and experience to the Phillies’ pitching staff.
As for Howard, he will have a chance to prove himself with the Rangers and could become an important piece of their future. Only time will tell how this trade will ultimately play out, but it is clear that both the Phillies and the Rangers are hoping for success in the long run.
