Phillies Trade Kody Clemens to Twins
TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 14, 2025: Kody Clemens #2 of the Philadelphia Phillies warms up prior to a game against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 14, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Diamond Images via Getty Images)
The Phillies made a move late Friday night that’s tough to understand if you’ve been paying attention.
Kody Clemens, a guy who quietly earned a following here, was traded to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for cash considerations.
This all started when the Phillies activated Weston Wilson from the injured list on April 23. They designated Clemens for assignment, giving themselves a week to either pass him through waivers or find a trade partner. They found one in the Twins.
It’s hard not to question how the Phillies handled this. We know he was out of options, but that doesn’t take the sting away.
Clemens’ numbers in three seasons with the Phillies, a .220/.265/.394 slash line with nine home runs and 31 RBI over 97 games, isn’t overwhelming. No one’s pretending he was a future All-Star. But there’s more to a roster spot than raw stats.
Clemens brought value in ways that don’t always show up in a box score. He had good at-bats in big moments. He played with energy. He connected with fans. On a team that sometimes feels a little too mechanical, he brought something human, and Philadelphia moved on from him for next to nothing. In fact, it looks like the return will be cash considerations.
Yes, you could argue there wasn’t a clear path for him here. Bryson Stott has the starting job locked down. Edmundo Sosa is the preferred bench option. Wilson is back. There just wasn’t space.
Clemens proved he could step in when needed. He didn’t get consistent opportunities, just seven plate appearances this season, but when asked, he was ready. That’s the kind of player you usually want around for a 162-game grind.
It’s worth remembering that Clemens came over from Detroit as part of the Gregory Soto trade. He spent most of his time in Triple-A, but every time he was called up, he brought effort, attitude, and a willingness to battle. Now he’s gone, and it feels like the Phillies didn’t value what they had.
Moves like this might not make headlines. But over a long season, losing a reliable, well-liked guy for essentially nothing has a way of catching up to you.
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Steve Hamilton
Steve may have been born in California, but don’t let that fool you. After dating a local woman and clashing with her and her family over sports for decades, he has an affinity for Philly sports. Balancing love for Philly and Bay Area sports teams may seem impossible, we can all agree that the Cowboys are the true evil.
