As the MLB trade deadline approaches, many contending teams throughout the league will attempt to add players ahead of the season’s closing months. The Philadelphia Phillies presently lead the National League East, but there is possibility for improvement as the deadline approaches.
Many clubs aim to add pitching depth, and the Phillies could do the same, but one of the club’s main weaknesses thus far has been outfield output at the plate, particularly against left-handed pitching. The club has been linked to several prospective trade prospects, and it would not be shocking if Dave Dombrowski and company finalize a deal before the deadline.
Phillies linked to A’s slugger; ‘keeping a close watch on’ trade deadline target
With Jon Heyman recently putting doubt on the Phillies’ ability to sign a superstar outfielder such as Luis Robert Jr., the team may turn its focus to less expensive options by the end of July. Brent Rooker, an outfielder/designated hitter for the Oakland Athletics, is one player the Phillies are reportedly interested in.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the club has been monitoring Rooker’s situation. According to Nightengale, the Phillies’ left fielders have an OPS that ranks 26th in Major League Baseball. This is an area where adding a power bat like the A’s slugger could improve the team’s offensive productivity.
As a late bloomer, Rooker spent portions of 2020-2022 between Minnesota, San Diego, and Kansas City before settling down with the Athletics last season. In his first full-time season, Rooker had an.817 OPS with 30 home runs and 69 RBI in 526 plate appearances.
In 77 games so far in 2024, the right-handed power hitter has an.891 OPS, 18 home runs, and 54 RBI. This Phillies lineup lacks a right-handed outfield bat capable of producing that kind of power. The A’s power hitter, like many power hitters in today’s game, has a reasonably high strikeout percentage, but he also walks at a rate of just less than 10% on the season.
The Phillies lack offensive power from left field.
One of the main reasons why the Phillies would benefit from obtaining a player like Rooker is that their current left field alternatives are unable to hit against left-handed pitchers. Brandon Marsh has a.847 OPS versus right-handed pitchers this season. However, he has a.400 OPS against lefties.
Cristian Pache and Whit Merrifield, although being right-handed batters, have also struggled against left-handed pitching. Pache has an overall OPS of.553 this season, while Merrifield’s OPS is only.561. Neither player has an OPS greater than.700 against left-handed pitching.
Rooker adds value when batting against left-handed pitchers. His.986 OPS against southpaws is significantly above average and would result in a significant power boost. The 29-year-old isn’t recognized for his defensive abilities, so the Phillies must decide whether his hitting potential is worth moving for. Rooker is set to enter arbitration following this season and will remain under team control until he can test free agency after the 2027 season.
This element could increase the A’s asking price for their slugger. On the plus side for a team wanting to sign him, the Mississippi State product will be relatively inexpensive over the next year or two as he receives raises through the arbitration process. If the price is right, Rooker might be a significant addition to the Phillies’ already strong lineup.
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