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Phillies 'Badly Need' Outfield Trade Target at MLB Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 12:50 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies have had issues in the outfield for the last few seasons. Whether it's a lack of offense or bad defense, the outfield spots have always been in flux lately.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Phillies have a clear area of need in the outfield, in the form of a right-handed bat to platoon in either left field or center field.

"... They badly need a right-handed hitting outfielder at the trade deadline." Nightengale wrote. "Their left fielders are hitting .178 with a .278 slugging percentage against left-handed pitchers this year, with their center fielders hitting .235 with a .309 slugging percentage."

The Phillies have four outfielders who are rotating in center field and left field at the moment. Max Kepler and Brandon Marsh are the lefty hitters, and while Marsh has been solid as of late (.833 OPS since June 1st), Kepler has struggled (.634 OPS since June 1st).

Johan Rojas has struggled all year, with a .574 OPS on the season. Otto Kemp has been fine with his .671 OPS, but has had his ups and downs this season. Overall, as Nightengale points out, the Phillies' outfielders struggle against lefty pitchers.

Due to Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, the two best Phillies hitters, both being lefties, the Phillies are likely to see a lot of left-handed pitching this season. Having two spots in the lineup that struggle against lefties isn't great.

At this year's trade deadline, landing a right-handed hitting outfielder, to either platoon with Kepler or Marsh, is a major priority. Of the two outfield spots, Kepler is the most likely to be changed.

Between his struggles this season and his complaints about playing time and being misled in the offseason, finding a replacement for him seems to be the best solution to this issue.

Regardless of what kind of player the Phillies target, they need to add a right-handed hitting outfielder. Sticking with Marsh, Rojas, Kepler, and Kemp in the outfield is not ideal.

Nightengale says the Phillies "badly need" a right-handed hitting outfielder. With how the outfielders have struggled against left-handed pitching this season, it's clear the team needs to make a change.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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