Blue Jays should target Brett Phillips from Brewers

The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly scouting the Milwaukee Brewers farm system for hidden gems however they should set their sights on outfielder Brett Phillips.

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Blue Jays have been scouting the Brewers system as many believe the two sides could match up on a potential J.A. Happ as the Brew Crew are attempting to add an arm for the postseason push.

Although the Jays are likely to heavily pursue pitching prospects during their fire sale they should try and pry the once coveted Brett Phillips out of Milwaukee. Phillips is in a similar situation as Teoscar Hernandez was last season as the once-heralded prospect is blocked at the major league level by the likes of Christian Yelich, Lorenzo Cain, Domingo Santana, Ryan Braun and Keon Broxton. Although Santana was just demoted in favour of Broxton who had spent the entire season in the minors thus far.

The Jays are heavy with outfield prospects, however, Anthony Alford appears to have regressed this season so his future is uncertain at this time. The Jays also have the likes of Dwight Smith Jr., Jonathan Davis, and Dalton Pompey but they all forecast to be fourth type outfielders or bench players at this stage of the game.

Phillips became an Internet sensation a few seasons back due to his honking laugh during an episode of mom jokes with teammate Will Smith. However, all jokes aside this kid can play. Phillips is an athletic toolsy centerfielder who possesses a good blend of both power and speed.

Last season in Triple-A Phillips hit .305/.377/.567 with 19 homers and 9 stolen bases in 105 games with Colorado Springs. Thus far in 2018, Phillips has struggled at the dish hitting .248/.340/.408 with four home runs and ten stolen bases in 61 games.

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Phillips also hit .276/.351/.448 with four round trippers and five swipes in 37 games at the major league level with the Brewers. The 24-year old has gotten into nine games this season but is hitting just .143 in just 14 plate appearances.

The former 6th round pick of the Houston Astros was ranked the 80th prospect by Baseball America Top 100 Prospects prior to the 2018 season. Phillips has nothing left to prove in the minors and could blossom with a change of scenery and an opportunity to play every day.

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If the Jays are attempting to stockpile athletic, controllable assets than Brett Phillips definitely fits the bill.