Fixing the Phillies Outfield: All the Big Names Available

Phillies Seeking Outfield Upgrades: Impact Names to Watch via Trade & Free Agency 

Impact Free-Agents

Kyle Tucker, OF

If only it were as easy as fit. The 28-year-old, multi-tool talent is clearly the top free-agent target this winter. If Kyle Tucker were a square, the Phillies would have a giant square-shaped hole in right field and alongside Bryce Harper for protection in the lineup. The Phillies aren’t totally out of the Tucker race. A swing and a miss on retaining Kyle Schwarber would make them prime targets. That infers the Phillies would have to wait for Schwarber to make up his mind before making a bid at Tucker, likely missing out on the shiny addition, even though some think Tucker fits the Phillies even better than Schwarber. Of course, all of those people live outside of Philadelphia. (Prediction: 9 Years/$380M)

Cody Bellinger, OF/1B

It feels like Cody Bellinger has been tied to the Phillies every time he becomes available, which happens to be three times in the last four years. The former MVP is now 30, yet he continues to log a high number of innings in multiple outfield positions while hitting close to the 30 HR/100 RBI mark. His left-hand bat would be a bit redundant in the Phillies’ lineup, hence why they’re searching in the righty bin. If the Phillies were to miss out on both Schwarber and Tucker (in what world?), Cody Bellinger would be the favorite to end up in Philly. Until that nightmare scenario happens, it’s easy to see the ex-MVP back in Yankee pinstripes next season. If not, the Los Angeles Dodgers or New York Mets won’t let him sit for long. (Prediction: 4–5 Years/$120–130M)

Impact Veterans + Platoon Options

Harrison Bader, CF

Run it back, they say? In a perfect world, the Phillies would jump all over re-signing Bader, who they traded for at the deadline with hopes of outfield stability throughout the second half and postseason. The issue? The three months Bader was in Philadelphia were arguably the veteran’s best stretch ever. The defensive stud is the top center fielder on the market, making it hard for the Phillies to set aside a deserving contract. The knock is his power. In 2025, Bader hit only 17 home runs all season, with five coming after the deadline. That isn’t a terrible showcase of power for a smaller, quick outfielder. However, the Phillies have an outfield that will likely play both Brandon Marsh and Justin Crawford, two extremely power-limited outfield bats. (Prediction: 2–3 Years/$30–44M)

Mike Yastrzemski, RF

The 34-year-old was a late bloomer, not becoming a sturdy piece until his late 20s, and he is now a free agent for the first time. He is the face of strong plate discipline and has an above-average on-base percentage. Yastrzemski is left-handed, which is a bit redundant with Harper, Bryson Stott, Brandon Marsh, and Schwarber (if re-signed). The outfielder can play a perfect platoon, posting an .809 OPS against right-handed pitching in 2025. The veteran hit 17 home runs and added close to 50 RBI with a .717 OPS. He signed a one-year deal worth around $9 million last season, similar to Max Kepler’s deal to play a platoon for the Phillies in 2025. Yastrzemski surely can’t hit lefties, but would pair well with an outfielder able to handle the duties. The Phillies could get a steal platoon fit. (Prediction: 1 Year/$10.5M)

Rob Refsnyder, LF

Platoon option with Brandon Marsh is Rob Refsnyder’s only fit. He crushes lefties, something Marsh could only dream of doing. An aging vet at 35 years old, Refsnyder almost retired in the last few months. He can still play, no doubt. In 2024, he hit a career-high 11 home runs. He played 93 games, his most in a season. 2025 went well for Refsnyder again, hitting nine home runs through 70 games with an .838 OPS. (Prediction: 1 Year/$N/A)

**Trent Grisham, CF

(*Accepted QO from NYY 11/18) Trent Grisham would be an out-of-the-box addition for the Phillies. The Yankees’ center fielder had an unusually productive 2025, hitting 34 homers along with 70+ RBIs. History shows it is not smart to pay a guy after his best season. Trent Grisham has never hit more than 17 home runs in his career. This past season, Grisham doubled that and then some, hitting 34, leading to questions of whether it was real or just a flash of productivity.

The 29-year-old center fielder was extended a qualifying offer for over $20M. He was once a Gold Glove fielder, but the eye test would say he’s losing a step in recent years. Grisham seeks a multi-year deal to capitalize on the strong season. He is a lefty, which the Phillies have plenty of, but if Dave Dombrowski is dead set on adding power, he could be a cheaper, bet-like option. At 29 years of age and with experience in both the corners and center field, Grisham could extend the Phillies’ window alongside touted prospect Justin Crawford in the outfield. (Prediction: 3 Years/$55M)

Impact Trade Options

Jarren Duran (BOS, 29, OF)

Duran brings elite speed, gap power, and above-average baserunning. He hit .256 with 16 homers, 84 RBI, and 24 steals in 2025 and remains a controllable outfield piece after signing a one-year $7.75 million deal. Boston is rumored to have too much talent in their outfield (what a problem to have) and is actively shopping him. The Phillies have been linked multiple times in the last year. His left-handed swing is something Philadelphia is avoiding, but a young, elusive talent like Duran would be hard to turn down and would surely help extend the Phillies’ window.

Jo Adell (LAA, 26, CF/RF)

Adell offers premium raw power and strong barrel metrics, producing a .236 average with 37 HR and 98 RBI in 2025. He’s under team control, but the Angels would listen on him given their roster direction, somewhat choosing between either Ward or Adell. His cost is mid-tier prospects with upside due to remaining club control and 30-plus homer power. The fact that he is only 26 and plays multiple outfield positions makes him an even better fit in Philadelphia. Keep an eye out.

Taylor Ward (LAA, 31, LF)

A steady run-producer with reliable power, posting 36 HR and 103 RBI in his 2025 season, Taylor Ward signed for $7.825 million and remains a core bat, yet his age and value make him a realistic trade candidate if the Angels pivot. His cost is a package of MLB-ready talent or multiple upper-level prospects. The masher is a great fit in Philadelphia, making both Angel sluggers a smart addition. 2025 was a career-low batting average season for Ward, who hit a measly .228 — although most say batting average is a dead metric anyway.

Steven Kwan (CLE, 28, LF/CF)

Kwan excels at contact quality, on-base ability, and efficient corner-outfield defense. The speedster’s 170 hits were the 2nd-most in his young career, and the 56 RBI were a career high. Steven Kwan’s arbitration projection sits around $8.8 million, and although Cleveland isn’t pushing him out, they could move him for the right return. The price is high due to elite OBP skills and team control — likely a headliner prospect (Painter, Miller, Crawford) plus secondary pieces. The Phillies tried hard to land Kwan at the deadline this past season. With less pressure, maybe Dave Dombrowski can talk his way into a deal.

Byron Buxton (MIN, 32*, CF/DH)

Buxton is back. Even with the notable no-trade clause that shielded him from deadline rehoming last season. Instead, the Twins chose to trade everyone else on the roster. This season, Buxton flashed five-tool talent with top-tier speed, defense, and power, recording 24 steals without being caught. The star is alone in rebuilding Minnesota, which sent Harrison Bader and Jhoan Duran to Philadelphia this past year. Dave Dombrowski works well with Minnesota, which favors the Phillies if Buxton becomes available. His cost would be lower than his talent suggests due to contract, health history, and veto power. It also isn’t a busy trade deadline in which wants, needs, and asking prices soar. Byron Buxton will remain a top option for the Phillies, even if he claims to want to stay a Twin for life.

Jake Meyers (HOU, 29, CF)

Meyers brings contact skills, above-average defense, and improved plate discipline, hitting .292 with a 103 OPS+ in 2025. His 2.4 WAR was a career high. He only played in 104 games in 2025 — he had 100 hits, almost as many knocks as games played. Houston values him, and he’s under contract for $2.3 million, making him more of a targeted acquisition than an available piece. Yet there are rumors he may be squeezed out of the rotation in Houston’s outfield. His trade cost wouldn’t be a hefty price, likely calling for some mid-tier prospects due to being a solid, not star-level, everyday center fielder.

Adolis García (TEX, 32, OF)

Adolis García has reappeared as an option for Philadelphia. According to Jon Morosi, the Rangers are shopping García. ESPN’s Jeff Passan backed up the report, saying Texas wants to move both García before Friday’s non-tender deadline. If Texas can’t find a bidder, Passan goes on to say they’re willing to non-tender him on top. A development like this is intriguing. Adolis García is now a realistic, short-term buying opportunity in which Texas has limited leverage. Therefore, the cost could be far lower than expected.

Phillies Potential Trade Bait

3B Alec Bohm, RP Tanner Banks, RP Matt Strahm, P Jose Alvarado, OF Nick Castellanos, OF Johan Rojas, OF Brandon Marsh, P Griff McGarry, P Gage Wood, OF Gabriel Rincones Jr — Low A/2025 Drafted Arms