The Philadelphia Phillies are rumoured to be aiming to upgrade their outfield before the MLB trade deadline on July 30. Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox and Cody Bellinger of the Chicago Cubs have been discussed as possible additions to Philadelphia’s roster.
Another outfielder, Miami Marlins’ Jazz Chisholm Jr., is allegedly available. Are the Phillies considered a viable contender for the 26-year-old? Apparently not. Let’s take a look at why the report that they’re not interested in adding him before the trade deadline is excellent news.
Phillies avoid rumoured NL East centre field trade contender, which is good news.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Phillies have no intention of adding Chisholm to improve their outfield by the trade deadline. If this is accurate, it’s fantastic news for a few reasons.
The Marlins outfielder has struggled to stay healthy throughout his tenure in the majors. In 2021, Chisholm appeared in 124 games. He participated in only 60 bouts in 2022 and 97 last year. He’s been reasonably healthy so far in 2024, appearing in 93 of Miami’s 96 games.
Another reason why it is regarded a good that the Phillies are not interested in trading for Chisholm is the price tag. Miami is likely to want a trade package including Philadelphia’s No. 2 prospect, Aidan Miller.
While Philadelphia has shortstop Trea Turner under contract for several seasons, they should avoid selling Miller, who is 20 years old. If he reaches his full potential, he might become a focal point for them to build around in the future.
Third baseman Alec Bohm will be a free agent in 2027, and if the Phillies are unable to re-sign him, there may be an opening for Miller to play third. The club may consider him a shortstop, but the 27th overall choice in the 2023 MLB Draft can play third base.
Philadelphia wants to win a championship right now, but they also need to plan for the future. Their top three prospects in MLB Pipeline’s 2024 rankings, pitcher Andrew Painter, Miller, and outfielder Justin Crawford, are regarded as critical to their future. Other standouts this season include infielder Starlyn Caba and catcher Eduardo Tait. The latter, while still a few years away from making the majors, might be the Phillies’ future starting catcher.
What happens to outfielder Johan Rojas if the Phillies sign a centre fielder with a few years left on his deal, such as Robert or Chisholm? The Dominican Republic native is a superior defensive centre fielder than the Marlins’ utility player.
In prior seasons, Miami deployed the 26-year-old at second base, shortstop, and centre field, while Rojas was usually used in centre field. Playing multiple positions prevents a player from becoming acclimated to one position, which can work against him.
Acquiring Chisholm contradicts what Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski stated prior to spring training regarding Philadelphia’s desire to give Rojas a shot. The 23-year-old outfielder may need a season or two to fulfill his full potential as a major league player.
Unless Philadelphia moves Rojas to left or right field after trading for a guy like Chisholm or Robert, the 23-year-old’s playing time in centre will be limited. The Marlins player’s injury history and prospective trade package should force Philly to explore elsewhere to improve their outfield depth before the trade deadline.
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