Current National League MVP Bryce Harper — a two-time award winner — the Phillies have a solid base to build top-notch outfield. Of course, they still need two more bodies (or more) to help Mr. Harper patrol the grass, and the list of available names is about to start shrinking fast. In fact, they are already dealing with a depleted free agent pool.
But it’s not fruitless, and the Phillies still have time to build a competent trio in the back of Citizens Bank Park. By all accounts, they’re on the hunt for Harper’s next teammates. Nick Castellanos is the best remaining pure outfielder and the Phillies really tested him, according to MLB Network’s John Morosi (via twitter). Morosi points out that Phillies president Dave Dombrowski ran the show in Detroit when Castellanos was drafted, so there’s certainly some history here.
Castellanos, who made his first All-Star game with the Reds last season, will certainly bring much-needed thunder to a roster that finished 13th in MLB in scoring in 2021. Former Tiger, Cub and Red hit .309. /.362/.576 with 34 home runs and a clean 100 RBI last year, good for a solid 140 wRC+.
Of course, defense has been something of a bogeyman for Joe Girardi’s club, and Castellanos is traditionally not known for his merit in this regard. Although DH would be an option. Rhys Hoskins already a candidate for this role. Also, Girardot will almost certainly want to isolate some of these ABs to keep Harper and JT Realmuto fresh.
In addition, the Phillies have recently been in contact with their center back, who is out again and again. Odubel Herreraaccording to Jim Salisbury of NBCSPhilly (via twitter). Last year, Herrera amassed 1.8 rWAR/1.1 fWAR as a regular at center, recording 492 plate visits in 124 games.
Herrera doesn’t walk much (5.9% walking rate) and his power is below average (0.156 ISO), but last year he put the ball into play with a career-best pace, hitting just 15.7%. his cymbal performances. Overall, his batting was seven percent below average, which is perfectly acceptable for a decent center gloved player – and Herrera has been that way in 2021.
The Fielding Bible credited him with 2 saved runs while he ranked decently on other systems as well (2 DRS, -1.2 UZR). Even if Herrera just keeps the line in the center, Filam might be enough to force a reunion. There are very few options in the free agent market, and center field has become one of the hardest positions to fill in the league.
Without Herrera and Castellanos (or other additions), the Phyllis have just untested youngsters like Mickey Moniac as well as Adam Hasley in the register. Roman Quinn left while the other members of the 2021 Philadelphia attack Andrew McCutcheon as well as Brad Miller are still free agents. Auxiliary players Johan Camargo as well as Luke Williams are internal options, but are not suitable for normal game time.
Elsewhere in the organization 25-year-old Matt Virling may be a game-to-grass option while the top minor league potentials on the depth table are not invited to the roster Justin Williams and 23-year-old avenue Simon Muzziottiwho only has 50 cymbal appearances above High-A.