The Dodgers shook things up by trading minor league outfielder Dylan Campbell to the Philadelphia Phillies. Why? To free up space for their international signing pool. The front office gained financial flexibility, while Campbell now embarks on a new journey, hoping to turn this trade into an opportunity rather than just a transaction.

Speaking exclusively with EssentiallySports, the 23-year-old former Dodgers prospect opened up about how he felt about the trade. After being traded, one feels a little unwanted. “At first, I didn’t know what to think,” Campbell confessed. And his feeling is understandable.

Going from the Dodgers farm system to the Philadelphia Phillies organization is no small change, after all. However, he took a step back, and he saw this trade for what it really was—an opportunity!

“At first, I really didn’t know what to think of it. I was like, dang, they just traded me—they didn’t even really want me. But then, as I sat on it and thought about it a little more, I was like, man, this is a really good opportunity for me. They obviously wanted me in their organization and saw how I could help them win, either now or in the future, whenever that may be,” said Campbell to EssentiallySports.

The system of every team is different, and hence, Dylan Campbell said that he is asking questions, learning the ropes, and finding the right people to guide him. So far, it is all going well for him. During his time at the High A Great Lakes, Campbell put up some good numbers. He had a .251 average, 10 home runs, and a solid 42 stolen bases. Plus, he has a stellar ability, and that’s—he can play all three positions. So, he is a great addition to the farm system for the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Philadelphia Phillies prospect is already excited to join the new team, mostly because of Bryce Harper. He said he hadn’t met Harper yet, but if he ever did, he knew exactly what to ask him—hitting tips. And well, who can argue on that, given Harper’s power? Anyone would want to know his secrets or tips. But getting good guidance is not new for him, because he got it right at home.

Philadelphia Phillies prospect is already paving the way for baseball’s next generation

For Dylan Campbell, baseball isn’t just a sport he picked up randomly. It was part of his DNA because his father played professional baseball for a while. So the game was present in his life before he even understood it. “I didn’t really know much about the game at first…All I knew was that my dad played, and I wanted to be like him.” Well, having his father as his coach later only deepened his love for the game. And it became more than an activity—it became a passion.

This love of the game of the Philadelphia Phillies newbie also led him to start the Dylan Campbell Foundation. It’s a non-profit that aims to help underprivileged kids stay in the sport. Growing up, Campbell was aware of how expensive playing baseball could be, much like F1. From the kits to the travel and the training, it’s a huge load for any family to take on. It can be a roadblock for many talented kids. “As you look at many athletes across all sports, they’re involved in some type of nonprofit or charity work. That’s something that’s been part of my life since middle school and high school, so I thought it would be a good idea to start my own.”

So his foundation works to bring a change and support the young players in Houston and beyond. They ensure they have the tools to make their wishes and dreams come true. Opportunity is not the same, but Campbell making or creating opportunity for the kids says a lot about his depth and character.

What do you think about the Phillies’ prospect, Dylan Campbell? Let us know in the comments.