Phillies news and rumors 5/9: Phils complete trade on off day

James McArthur was traded to the Royals. (Cheryl Pursell)

The Phillies made a transaction on Monday.

Right-handed pitcher James McArthur was traded to the Kansas City Royals for outfielder Junior Marin and cash considerations.

McArthur, 26, was designated for assignment on May 4 to make room for pitcher Jeff Hoffman on the 40-man roster. Kansas City essentially jumped the line on the waiver wire to acquire McArthur by offering the Phillies a prospect and cash considerations.

The Phillies liked McArthur enough to protect him before the Rule 5 Draft in 2021. He was viewed as someone who could contribute at the big league level, but injuries and regression got in the way. McArthur missed roughly half of last season with an elbow issue. In five games for Lehigh Valley in 2023, McArthur posted a 7.31 ERA.

Marin, 19, batted .315 in 92 at-bats in rookie ball last season. He’s essentially a lottery ticket.

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