The Philadelphia Phillies Need Outfield Help

As great as the Philadelphia Phillies offense was in 2024, their outfielders had little to do with it. Aside from Nick Castellanos and Brandon Marsh, the Phillies didn’t have a lot of positive production. Johan Rojas isn’t the answer and Austin Hayes will likely be non-tendered. Philadelphia is projected to have $13,280,000 come off the books excluding any possible trades. The Phillies have been unafraid to splash cash in free agency in the past and this offseason will be no different. Upgrading their outfield is a must this offseason for the Phillies.

The Phillies Offensive Came Despite Their Outfielders Struggling

While the Phillies averaged 4.84 runs per game, it came despite their outfield’s offensive struggles. Philadelphia’s outfielders left much to be desired offensively outside of Nick Castellanos and Brandon Marsh. However, while Marsh had a good season, it didn’t come without its flaws. Marsh’s strikeout rate increased from 30.5% in 2023 to 32.4% this season. His walk rate also dropped from 12.5% in 2023 to just 10.5% in 2024. Given how strong the outfield free agent class is, it wouldn’t be shocking if Brandon Marsh becomes a trade candidate.

Johan Rojas Is Not A Threat Offensively

While Johan Rojas is a great defender, he is punchless offensively. He finished the 2024 season slashing .243/.279/.322 with three homers, 32 RBI, and a .601 OPS. While he’s only 23, the Phillies are currently in a winning window. Stars Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, and Trea Turner are only going to get older. This team doesn’t have time to be patient and wait for Rojas’s development. Given his young age, Rojas could be a viable trade candidate.

Austin Hays’s Impact Was Minimal

Austin Hays is more than likely to be non-tendered this offseason, making him a free agent. He came over to the Phillies during a trade deadline deal with the Baltimore Orioles. In 22 games with Philadelphia, Hays slashed .256/.275/.397 with two homers, six RBI, and a .672 OPS. He also saw his strikeout rate increase from 22.9% in 63 games with Baltimore to 23.8% in Philadelphia. His walk rate also decreased from 5.1% with the Orioles to not walking at all. Needless to say that he doesn’t figure to be a part of Philadelphia’s 2025 plans.

There Are Plenty Of Intriguing Free Agents Available

Given the lack of consistent production, the outfield needs an upgrade. Philadelphia has shown they are unafraid to spend lots of money in free agency. Entering the 2024 season, they carried the fourth-largest payroll in baseball. The only teams with larger payrolls were the Mets, Yankees, and Dodgers. For a team that likes to spend, the Phillies will find this year’s free-agent class very attractive. Free agents like Anthony Santander, Teoscar Hernandez, Tyler O’Neill, Jurickson Profar, and Michael Conforto could all fit.

The Phillies Could Pursue Juan Soto

It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Philadelphia Phillies jumped in on the Juan Soto sweepstakes. Owner John Middleton just wants to win a championship and could care less about luxury tax penalties. Juan Soto’s agent is also Scott Boras. The Phillies already have Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Alec Bohm, and Garrett Stubbs, all of whom are Boras clients. Castellanos used to be a Boras client as well. The Phillies have the money, team, and fan base to convince Soto to wear red, white, and blue for the rest of his career. Whether or not the Phillies decided to pursue Soto is worth monitoring this offseason.

Upgrading The Outfield Is Key To Maximizing The Winning Window

The Philadelphia Phillies need to maximize their winning window while they still can. It won’t stay open forever and their core is only getting older. It can be argued that the team’s lack of consistent production from their outfielders is holding them back. The Phillies need to upgrade their outfield this offseason. While Marsh is productive, he isn’t a player you can depend on consistently for “instant offense.” This team is in a winning window and doesn’t have time to wait for Johan Rojas’s bat to come around either. Marsh and Rojas could be used in trades to fill other team needs. Austin Hays will also most likely not be on the team next season. The free agent class is filled with plenty of outfielders who could be instant upgrades. One thing to pay attention to is whether they decided to seriously pursue signing Juan Soto. Regardless, the Philadelphia Phillies outfield needs to be addressed this offseason.

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