Inside The Phillies

Former Yankees Star Seen as Potential Solution to Philadelphia Phillies Outfield Problem

One former New York Yankees outfielder could be exactly what the Philadelphia Phillies are looking for.
Kade Kistner|
Former Yankees Star Seen as Potential Solution to Philadelphia Phillies Outfield Problem
Former Yankees Star Seen as Potential Solution to Philadelphia Phillies Outfield Problem

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Philadelphia PhilliesNew York Yankees

The Philadelphia Phillies have few holes on their roster that they must address ahead of the 2024 MLB season. 

One area that could use some help is the outfield. 

As Matt Gelb of The Athletic spoke about in his recent column, the Phillies are uncomfortable rolling into next season with Brandon Marsh or Johan Rojas as an everyday player. For now. 

That has reportedly led Philadelphia to look at some external options to help fortify the question marks in the outfield. Taking into account both Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos' defensive liabilities, the Phillies may need to take a hard look at revamping their strategy when it comes to how the outfield is aligned. 

One name Gelb mentioned was former New York Yankees centerfielder Harrison Bader. 

Bader is a right-handed hitter, so he would complement the lineup well. He is also an elite defender in center field, which could allow for one of Marsh or Rojas to play a corner outfield spot while giving Schwarber or Castellanos time at DH. That would improve the defensive alignment considerably while not sacrificing offense. 

In 2023, Bader slashed .232/.374/.348 with seven home runs. He was selected off of waivers in August by the Cincinnati Reds after he was released by the Yankees. 

Bader's 2023 slashline was right in line with his career numbers, but he could have a positive effect on the Phillies roster. However, as Gelb pointed out, it could be a hard sell to Bader who could sign with a team and garner more playing time. Realistically, he would be relegated to a platoon role with Philadelphia.

Bader is but one option the Phillies could look at with other names, such as Whit Merrifield, being tossed around. 

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl.  During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated.  Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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