MLB Trade Deadline: Philadelphia Phillies Acquire Hunter Pence from Astros

(Updated at 7:09 p.m. PT.)

The city of Philadelphia is having a pretty good Friday. Just a few hours after the Eagles signed prized free agent Nnamdi Asomugha, the Phillies are getting in on the headline act, acquiring Hunter Pence from the Houston Astros.

The trade was first reported by FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal via Twitter, and it has since been confirmed. The Phillies will send a package of four players—top prospects Jarred Cosart and Jonathan Singleton, along with two players to be named—to Houston (Bob Nightengale of USA Today says Josh Zeid is one of the players).

It is a deal that makes a lot of sense for both franchises, who are currently on polar opposite ends of the competitive spectrum.

The Phillies are going for it. The 2008 World Series champions have one of the highest payrolls in baseball, featuring arguably the best rotation in baseball, and a lineup that features several current and former All-Stars.

If there is a need on the roster, it is a right-handed bat, and there were few available better than Pence. The outfielder is ninth in the National League in batting average, and tied for 13th with 62 RBI.

It was just six years ago the Astros were in the World Series. Since then it has been a rough go, and they haven't been able to compete. The team has long been reluctant to trade the Fort Worth native.

Currently a major-league worst 35-70, Houston finally made the decision to sell high on Pence. In return the Astros get four players, including Cosart and Singleton, Philadelphia's best pitching and hitting prospects respectively. 

The next step for Houston will be sorting through trade offers for the speedy Michael Bourn, and starters Wandy Rodriguez and Brett Myers.