With the MLB trade deadline just a few days away, the Philadelphia Phillies need to figure out how far they're willing to go to upgrade this roster.
Aidan Miller getting traded isn't likely, since his value has lowered significantly amid the back injury that has kept him out for the full season. But there are real questions about Gage Wood, Ramon Marquez, and a 17-year-old outfield superstar prospect.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, this 17-year-old superstar prospect, Francisco Renteria, is someone the Phillies do not want to trade this summer.
"They don't want to trade Francisco Renteria, an impressive-looking 17-year-old center fielder who has been the best player in the Dominican Summer League," Passan reports.
Since the Phillies' farm system is fairly weak, Renteria might need to be traded to land a star player. But the Phillies might refrain from any such trades if Renteria has to be included.
It might seem bold to hold Renteria back from being traded when he's just 17 years old. However, the Phillies have every right to believe he could be a future superstar.
He signed a $4 million deal with the Phillies to join their organization in 2026, and in 40 games with the Dominican Summer League Phillies roster, he's been absolutely incredible.
Renteria has a .373 batting average, a .456 on-base percentage, a .627 slugging percentage, and a 1.083 OPS in 153 at-bats this season.
The 17-year-old has 57 hits, four doubles, seven triples, seven home runs, 39 RBIs, 23 walks, only 25 strikeouts, and 50 runs scored. He also has 18 stolen bases.
It's incredibly early, but the signs that Renteria could be a future superstar are there. He has speed, power, and is already 6-foot-3, 216 pounds.
The Phillies don't want to trade Renteria this summer, and who can really blame them? If only being able to choose one untouchable prospect for the 2026 MLB trade deadline, Renteria would be it. His future is sky-high, and it would be foolish to trade him now.
