Here’s Why John Middleton Wouldn’t Trade Zack Wheeler for Babe Ruth
Why wouldn’t you trade for one of the greatest players of all time?
In an effort to quash rumours that the Phillies were planning to trade Zack Wheeler, managing partner John Middleton proclaimed that he wouldn’t trade Wheeler even “if they offered me Babe Ruth.”
This, of course, prompts the question, “Why on Earth not?”
Babe Ruth, for those who don’t know, is one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Zack Wheeler, on the other hand, injured himself last year while trying to put on his pants.
So why wouldn’t Middleton trade Wheeler for Ruth?
Here are some possible explanations.
It Wouldn’t Be a Legal Trade
According to “The Official Professional Baseball Rules Book,” teams may only trade players who are currently under contract. Babe Ruth is not signed to a contract with any of the 30 teams in Major League Baseball, so he is not eligible to be traded. Therefore, Middleton is just being sensible. Why would he accept an illegal trade?
Babe Ruth Is a Free Agent
As we’ve already established, Ruth has no contractual obligations to any team in Major League Baseball. In other words, he is a free agent.
Why would the Phillies trade for a player they could just go out and sign themselves?
The Phillies would also have a key advantage in negotiations here, because Babe Ruth’s agent, Christy Walsh, has been dead for almost 70 years. Nevertheless, Ruth is still in line for a pay raise from the $35,000 he received in his last full season.
No Universal DH
At this point in his career, Babe Ruth would be best used as a designated hitter. Unfortunately, National League teams were recently informed that there probably won’t be a universal DH next season. Perhaps the Phillies’ analytics department ran the numbers and determined that Ruth’s defense would be too much of a liability.
Middleton is Confused
There’s one final reason that might have led Middleton to make these comments: he confused the Hall of Fame baseball player named Babe Ruth with the 70s British rock band that is also named Babe Ruth. If this is the case, Middleton’s comments actually make a lot of sense. Babe Ruth lead singer Jenny Haan is 67 years old and has never played professional baseball.
Which one of these explanations makes the most sense to you?
Got another idea that I didn’t consider?
Featured Image: Dale Zanine/USA TODAY Sports
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