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Report: Phillies Among Teams Interested in All-Star Utilityman
The Philadelphia Phillies have yet to make a move ahead of the Collective Bargaining Agreement deadline on Dec. 1. This is despite a historic push across the league to sign superstar players in a deep class of free agents.
Honestly, the only true fit for the Phillies that has already been signed is center fielder Starling Marte. But, with a number of cheaper trade candidates available, it may have made more sense for Philadelphia to stand their ground anyways.
Now, MLB Insider Jon Heyman reports that the Phillies are one team who is interested in All-Star utilityman Chris Taylor. We wrote extensively about his fit for Philadelphia earlier in the offseason and the match seems to be a good one.
Taylor can play any outfield position, to include center, as well as most infield positions. At 31-years-old, Taylor is still in his prime and can help the Phillies make their push for the postseason. However, he does come with a qualifying offer attached which would force the Phillies to give up a draft pick and $500k in international draft pool bonus money.
The utilityman hit .254/.344./.438 in 2021, which is perfectly in line with his career numbers he has amassed over the last eight seasons. Additionally, he has been to the postseason and won a World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers, something no other player on the roster has done to this point.
Not only would he add plus defense and an extra bat to the lineup, his veteran leadership amongst the core group of players would play an expounded role. That leadership would only become more valuable down the stretch of the season when the club has a notoriously difficult time sealing the deal for the postseason.
It seems likely that Philadelphia will make some type of move, and Taylor's fit and subsequent cost just make too much sense.
More From SI's Inside The Phillies:
- MLB Hot Stove: What Exactly is the Phillies' Plan?
- Four Fringe Players Phillies Could Sign to Fill the Gaps
- Phillies Considered "Sleeper" for Star Shortstop
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