The Philadelphia Phillies are leading the National League with a 58-31 record. However, the Phillies’ outfield could need a lift ahead of a possible deep postseason run. According to USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale, the organization “is keeping a close eye” on Oakland A’s All-Star Brent Rooker ahead of the trade deadline on July 30.
“The Philadelphia Phillies are keeping a close eye on Brent Rooker, the Oakland Athletics’ left fielder. Nightengale noted, “The Phillies rank 26th in OPS among left fielders this season.”
Brandon Marsh has been the Phillies’ primary left fielder. Marsh is one of the few bright spots in the team’s outfield. He is batting.265/.346/.414. His numbers are comparable to those from the 2023 season. Marsh, on the other hand, might go to centre or right field if Rooker allows it.
Phillies’ Outfield Struggles
The Phillies have not gotten the production they expected from their top outfielders. Nick Castellanos and Johan Rojas have struggled this season, with hitting averages of.238 and.232.
Castellanos has struggled to match the numbers he posted as an All-Star in 2023. Rojas appeared in 59 games last season but had a.302 average. The Phillies could obviously use an upgrade at either of their positions.
This season, Marsh leads the Phillies’ outfield with a 116 OPS+. Rooker has 155 OPS+ and 18 home runs. He would immediately emerge as the Phillies’ top offensive outfielder.
According to Nightengale, the Phillies’ left fielders have an OPS ranking of 26th. Rooker has largely played DH this season, but the Phillies have Kyle Schwarber in that role.
Rooker’s Fitness in Philadelphia
Rooker was chosen an All-Star in 2023 after hitting 30 home runs, posting a.817 OPS and driving in 69 runs. In 137 games last season, he batted.246 with a 127 OPS+. This season, he has upped his average to.277 and has 54 RBIs.
Rooker might bring another big bat to Philadelphia and join a winning team for the first time in his career. Dave Dombrowski, president of baseball operations, has proved that he is not afraid to make major moves. This season may provide another opportunity to expand that list of deals.
Marsh would most likely play centerfield alongside Rooker. He has made 225 starts at this position. Castellanos would then be in a good position. The Phillies might be patient or make a trade for multiple outfielders.
The Athletic’s Jim Bowden reports that the organization is interested in Chicago White Sox star Luis Robert Jr. Robert is also a centerfielder. Marsh’s versatility to play all three outfield spots provides them with more alternatives when shopping for outfielders at the trade deadline.
Rooker’s.891 OPS would put him second on the Phillies’ star-studded roster, trailing only Bryce Harper. He would join Harper, Trea Turner, and Alec Bohm, all of whom have been chosen All-Star starts this season.
Harper and Schwarber are among the Phillies players now on the disabled list. Rooker might add some oomph to the lineup while they work on their return. J.T. Realmuto will not return until after the All-Star break. According to MLB.com, Harper and Schwarber are close to making their return.
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