The Philadelphia Phillies outfield platoon plan will impact handling the trade deadline. It has become apparent that the Phillies are looking for a right-handed outfield bat. Matt Gelb reported on a recent episode of the “Phillies Therapy” podcast that there are three names in particular the Phillies are the most interested in. Gelb mentioned Lane Thomas, Mark Canha, and Taylor Ward as players the Phillies are interested in. Additionally, Gelb stated that the two main traits the Phillies are looking for are the ability to hit left-handed pitching and play decent defense. Gelb indicated the Phillies are thinking more about October and the postseason than the regular season with this move. Furthermore, Gelb said the Phillies evaluate rental players and those with longer club control.
Trade Deadline Impact Of Phillies Outfield Platoon Plan
Who the Phillies trade for at the deadline is dependent on one decision. It has been made clear that Brandon Marsh will platoon with someone. Whether that be Johan Rojas or a potential trade deadline acquisition, it will dictate who the Phillies trade for. Since releasing Whit Merrifield, the Phillies have had Weston Wilson in a left-field platoon with Marsh. It has been reported that the Phillies are considering corner outfielders and centerfielders. This leaves open the possibility of a Marsh-Rojas platoon in the center field. Either way, the team seems to be trying to upgrade over Cristian Pache, given the defensive versatility Wilson brings. Wilson can play multiple infield positions and corner outfield positions.
Why The Phillies Want A Platoon With Marsh
While Marsh should be an everyday starter, the Phillies do not think the same way. This is because Marsh does not have great numbers against left-handed pitchers. This season Marsh has a .378 OPS and a 10 wRC+ in 49 at-bats against left-handed pitchers. Marsh has a .887 OPS and a 148 wRC+ in 187 at-bats this season against right-handed pitchers. As Gelb pointed out on the podcast, the Atlanta Braves have many left-handed pitchers. That includes starters Max Fried and Chris Sale. Given the recent postseason history between the team, the Phillies want to have an alternative player in the lineup or on the bench in those situations.
Marsh-Rojas Platoon
Suppose the Phillies intend to platoon Marsh and Rojas, that opens the door for more prominent names to be acquired in a trade. This is because the left field starting spot opens up. It is worth noting that Rojas has not had a great season at the plate. Rojas has a .410 OPS and a 14 wRC+ in 60 at-bats against left-handed pitchers this season. Meanwhile, against right-handed pitchers, Rojas has a .621 OPS and a 75 wRC+ in 165 at-bats this season. Based on their abilities at the plate, a Marsh-Rojas platoon makes sense. However, playing time increases the hypothetical trade cost in this scenario. Trading for Thomas or Ward would indicate the Phillies are going in this direction.
Marsh Platoon With Someone Else
This route seems to be the more likely outcome for a few reasons. In this scenario, the trade would focus more on offensive abilities against left-handed pitchers. At the same time, the defense would still be considered. This player would not be playing every day like in the other scenario. If the Phillies trade for Canha, it would indicate that they are going with this option. The trade cost would also be lower in this situation in all likelihood. Releasing Merrifield when the Phillies did have allowed Wilson to audition to platoon with Marsh going forward. Even with Wilson getting the chance to audition for the role, a trade looks pretty likely to happen. Who the Phillies trade for remains an open question.
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