According to an MLB insider, the Phillies are ruling out many trade deadline alternatives for their outfield.
Which outfielders are no longer on the Phillies’ radar, and why are they pulling back from these trade targets?
The Philadelphia Phillies have been aggressively seeking outfield assistance as the trade deadline approaches. As a result, they have been connected to several appealing trade prospects across the league.
However, MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Phillies are out of the running for three trade deadline outfield alternatives. Nightengale reports that the Phillies will avoid Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Miami Marlins, Tommy Pham of the Chicago White Sox, and even Brent Rooker of the Oakland Athletics because the executive staff does not consider them as ideal fits for the team.
“The Philadelphia Phillies have no interest in Miami Marlins center fielder Jazz Chisholm, have shied away from Chicago White Sox outfielder Tommy Pham and don’t believe that Oakland A’s outfielder Brent Rooker is a fit,” according to Nightengale.
What might prompt the Phillies to shy away from these outfielders?
The Phillies are removing Jazz Chisholm Jr., Tommy Pham, and Brent Rooker from their trade deadline outfield alternatives.
For Chisholm, it looks to be a prudent decision on the Phillies’ behalf because, despite his explosiveness, he has had several injuries in previous years.
He may have the potential to be a strong 25+ home run and 80+ RBI player, but failing to participate in more than 100 games in each of the last three seasons raises serious concerns about the 26-year-old’s health. That would be the last thing the Phillies needed after suffering injuries to many of their key players thus far in 2024.
Regarding Pham, the Phillies appear to be backing out after apparently showing interest earlier. With the ability to average 20 home runs, 60 RBI, and 20 stolen bases per season, Pham may have added some consistency to an already formidable Phillies lineup.
However, Pham’s defense has gotten increasingly dubious in 2024, with a concerning -10 DRS on the field in only 59 games. That score is by far the lowest in his career. So, at the age of 36, his legs may have caught up with him, making him a significant liability on the field for the Philadelphia Phillies.
In the case of Rooker, he has been one of the league’s most productive batters in recent weeks. In his last 20 games, he has a.417 batting average, 1.350 OPS, 20 runs scored, five doubles, nine home runs, and 23 RBI. At that rate, we may see productivity comparable to Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge.
Even before his hot run, Rooker demonstrated his ability to be a true power hitter during his All-Star season last year. His primary drawback is that he has spent more time as a designated hitter than in the outfield in recent years. He has only played in 130 MLB games. With the Phillies seeking for someone who can contribute both on the field and at the plate, Rooker’s limited playing time in the field may be enough to keep Philadelphia away.
Nonetheless, there are still many possibilities accessible across the league. One thing is certain: the Phillies will not let the trade deadline pass without taking action if they truly want to be genuine World Series contenders in 2024.
