The Philadelphia Phillies defensively underperforming has contributed to issues for the team. There are many reasons for this including the Phillies having a defensive liability in Otto Kemp as part of their left field platoon earlier in the year. As a team the Phillies have -25 DRS/-9 OAA/2 FRV this season. The -25 Defensive Runs Saved is the worst in baseball. The Outs Above Average total ranks as the 22nd best in baseball. Meanwhile the Fielding Run Value ranks as the 15th best in baseball. For comparison the Phillies had 0 DRS/8 OAA/-14 FRV last season.
In addition to that the Phillies made an error at home plate against the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 30 when Andy Pages was able to score a run despite not touching home plate because catcher J.T. Realmuto did not tag Pages or properly appeal the play. This is a rare defensive miscue from Realmuto who has 3 DRS/5 OAA this season. Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly challenged the call on the field. However, once it was determined Realmuto did not tag Pages on the initial play at the plate nothing could be done.
Phillies Defensively Underperforming
Star Player Having Underwhelming Season At First Base
After having a Gold Glove Award caliber season in 2024, Bryce Harper has fallen off defensively at first base. Harper had an outstanding 5 DRS/8 OAA/5 FRV in that 2024 season. While Harper is having an elite season at the plate, he has not been good at first base. This season Harper has -1 DRS/-7 OAA/-5 FRV at first base. The -7 Outs Above Average rank as the worst among qualified first baseman this year. Furthermore the -5 Fielding Run Value has Harper tied for the worst among qualified first baseman.
Middle Infield Collectively Struggling
The double play duo of Bryson Stott and Trea Turner has regressed defensively. A Turner position change could once again become a topic of conversation this offseason. This is disappointing because Turner seemed to turn a corner at shortstop after having poor 2023 and 2024 seasons in the field. Turner has -3 DRS/-2 OAA/-2 FRV this season. Meanwhile this season Stott has -7 DRS/4 OAA/3 FRV. While the other two metrics are good Stott is tied for the fewest Defensive Runs Saved among qualified second baseman this year. The Phillies defensively underperforming is partly because of Stott and Turner.
An Outfield Alignment Change That Could Help The Team
It might benefit the Phillies to move Justin Crawford from center field to either left field or right field temporarily. Crawford has struggled mightily in center field this season. This year Crawford has -5 DRS/-2 OAA/-1 FRV in center field. Crawford ranks as among the six worst qualified center fielders in each respective category so far this year. With the Phillies defensively struggling as a team beyond Crawford it might benefit him to shift to a corner outfield spot. This is the easiest adjustment for the team to make Brandon Marsh, Adolis García and Steward Berroa should handle center field for now.
Recent Roster Change And Playing Time Adjustments Could Pay Dividends
The Phillies outfield test has had Edmundo Sosa playing there somewhat regularly. Sosa has made a career high seven outfield appearances and five starts this season. Each of those appearances has come in left field. Sosa has a -1 DRS/0 OAA/-1 FRV in the outfield this season. The Phillies defensively can improve with recent call up Berroa in the lineup as well. In 26 career major league games, including 12 starts, Berroa has 5 DRS/4 OAA/5 FRV across three outfield spots. With Berroa replacing Kemp on the 26-man roster the Phillies have a true fourth outfielder on the bench now.
Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
