SAN DIEGO — The Phillies, a team resigned to breaking down the roster that produced some of the franchise’s greatest moments, started to rebuild Wednesday by trading the man with more hits than any other. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins, the longest-tenured athlete in Philadelphia, is a Los Angeles Dodger.
Details of the trade — which could involve a third team — were still being finalized Wednesday evening, said a source familiar with the talks. Rollins, who earned full no-trade rights by spending 10 seasons in the majors and five with the same team, approved the trade.
It is a stunning salvo by Ruben Amaro Jr., the embattled general manager tasked with jettisoning his veteran players. Rollins, 36, had 2,306 hits in 15 seasons with the Phillies. He has been a member of the organization since June 4, 1996, the day the Phillies selected him with the 46th overall pick.
For Rollins, it is a sudden reversal. He predicted on Sept. 24, days before the 2014 season ended, that he would return to Philadelphia.
“I’ll be here next year,” said Rollins, reclining in a chair inside the Marlins Park visitors clubhouse.
He will, but not until Aug. 4 when his Dodgers come to Citizens Bank Park.
Rollins’ apparent heir is J.P. Crawford, the 16th overall pick in the 2013 draft. But Crawford, 19, has never played above single A and may not reach the majors until 2016 — at the earliest. Until then, Freddy Galvis could assume shortstop duties.
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