Four free-agent lefty bats for Phillies to consider

The Philadelphia Phillies have the core to be contenders again in 2025, so even after being quickly eliminated by the New York Mets in the National League Division Series last season, there isn’t much of a shake-up expected.

However, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and team owner John Middleton are firmly in “win-now” mode and must make changes to ensure the Phillies don’t repeat the same fate next season. 

Philadelphia’s early exit from the postseason can largely be attributed to its lack of offense. Its star-studded lineup, including 1B Bryce Harper, LF/DH Kyle Schwarber and SS Trea Turner, failed to produce. The lineup is primarily right-handed, so adding a lefty bat could help, as Harper and Schwarber are the prominent left-handed sluggers on the roster. 

OF Brandon Marsh is also a lefty, but the 26-year-old struggled offensively in 2024 and did not play every day. In 476 plate appearances, he struck out 154 times, hit 16 home runs and walked 50 times. Earlier in the offseason, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported the Phillies were interested in trading Marsh, but The Athletic's Matt Gelb said they may be "less inclined" now (h/t OnPattison).

The team needs more lefty power, ideally a player who can play the outfield. Luckily for the Phillies, four intriguing names on the free-agent market fit that bill.  

Jurickson Profar | left fielder

A switch hitter, Profar was named an All-Star and Silver Slugger for the first time in 11-year MLB career in 2024 after setting career highs in home runs (24), RBI (85), batting average (.280) and OPS (.839). The 31-year-old has spent his past five seasons with the Padres, except for half a season in Colorado in 2023. He posted an excellent 8.2 WAR in San Diego. 

Anthony Santander | right fielder

Like Profar, Santander is a switch hitter. In 2024 with the Baltimore Orioles, he became an All-Star and Silver Slugger for the first time and hit 44 home runs and had 102 RBI. In 155 games, he slashed .235/.308/.506. Since 2022, Santander has belted the sixth-most homers in baseball (105).