Phillies Announce Trade With AL Central Team on Fourth of July

The Philadelphia Phillies completed a trade with the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday, acquiring $250,000 in international bonus pool space in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Ryan Degges. The deal was announced ahead of the Phillies' game as the club added financial flexibility for the remainder of the 2026 international signing period.

Degges, 23, was selected by the Phillies in the 17th round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of UNC Charlotte.

The right-hander spent his entire professional career in Philadelphia's farm system before Saturday's move and had been developing as a pitching prospect in the lower levels of the organization.

International bonus pool space is a spending allocation, not cash, that allows clubs to sign eligible amateur players from outside the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Teams are permitted to trade portions of their allotted pool under Major League Baseball rules.

The additional $250,000 gives Philadelphia more flexibility as it continues investing in international talent. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has consistently emphasized building organizational depth through both the draft and the international market.

For the Cleveland Guardians, the deal adds another young arm to the organization while converting unused bonus pool space into a developmental pitching prospect. Degges now joins a system known for helping young pitchers refine their repertoires.

The Phillies entered Saturday second in the National League East, only behind the Atlanta Braves, as they continued their push toward the postseason. While the trade does not affect the major league roster, it strengthens the organization's ability to pursue future talent during this year's signing period.

Degges will report to the Guardians' minor league system and continue his development with his new organization. Meanwhile, the Phillies will look to maximize their newly acquired international bonus pool space as they continue building for both the present and the future.

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