Could Philadelphia Phillies Be Active in Trade Market Prior to Opening Day?

The Philadelphia Phillies need outfield help. That much is clear this spring. Kyle Schwarber, Brandon Marsh, and Nick Castellanos are all set to be the regulars in the outfield during the 2023 MLB season. However, two of those players leave plenty to be desired defensively, while Marsh still needs development at the plate.

Philadelphia has options in Jake Cave, Dalton Guthrie, and even Scott Kingery or Edmundo Sosa. The issue lies with the Phillies needing a right-handed bat to platoon with Marsh.

Kingery is a right-handed hitter and based on his spring performance very well could find a spot on the roster. Sosa has taken reps out in center field this spring but leaves plenty to be desired. Guthrie has not performed this spring or inspired much confidence. Cave looks great, but is left-handed.

That has prompted Philadelphia to reach out to teams letting them know they are interested in acquiring outfield depth via trade according to The Athletic's Matt Gelb.

The Phillies don't want to mess around this year as they have vastly improved their roster that won the National League pennant last season. They won't allow something such as outfield depth to get in their way of pushing for another World Series berth.

With the way Kingery has been playing, coupled with his versatility, it would seem the most logical path to allow him the opportunity to fill the role. At least to start the season and then pursue a trade option if things fall apart.

That being said, Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski is an aggressive deal-maker. Don't be surprised if a trade is pulled off for a more sure-fire option for the roster.

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