WTF?
 
	 
 
	
		Phillies are acquiring RHPs Kyle Gibson, Ian Kennedy from Rangers for Spencer Howard, prospects: Sources
	
	
		
			By The Athletic Staff
		 
	
	
		July 30, 2021 at 2:02 PM CDT
	 
	
		
			The Phillies are close to acquiring right-handed pitchers Kyle Gibson and Ian Kennedy and minor-league pitcher Hans Crouse from the Rangers for right-hander Spencer Howard and right-handed pitching prospects Kevin Gowdy and Josh Gessner, sources confirmed to The Athletic. The Rangers are also sending about $4 million to the Phillies in the deal.
		 
		
			 
		 
		
			Matt Gelb, Phillies beat writer: The Phillies had indicated to teams over the last week that Howard was available for a non-rental. Gibson, 33, is under contract for $7 million next season. Kennedy is a rental. Whatever you think of the deal, it’s a totally bizarre path for Howard from top prospect to this trade.
		 
		
			 
		 
		
			Levi Weaver, Rangers beat writer: As recently as last season's mid-season Baseball America prospect list, Howard was Philly's No. 1 prospect. Two more coming along with him for a couple of veteran guys as the team rebuilds? That's not bad at all, even if major-league results for the 25-year-old haven't been stellar.
		 
		
			 
		 
		
			— Ken Rosenthal and Jayson Stark contributed to this post