Philadelphia Phillies News

Home

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Main Photo: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

Phillies Bench Spot May Be Determined By Defensive Versatility

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Ben Rosen | Last updated Feb 28, 2026 4:03 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies open bench role could be decided based on defensive versatility. This could mean the Phillies carry another player who can play infield and outfield similar to Otto Kemp. However, the Phillies could elect to go with a true outfielder for this spot as well. Ability to play center field will matter in this decision regardless of which route the Phillies choose to go. Dylan Moore, Johan Rojas, Bryan De La Cruz and Pedro León being the main candidates. Additionally Christian Cairo has an outside chance according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Moore and Cairo fit the super utility player criteria. This bench spot is one of the handful of Phillies roster battles this spring. Rojas, De La Cruz and León are all exclusively outfielders.

Of the players in this position battle Rojas has the most at stake in spring training. Rojas has one minor league option year remaining and could be a change of scenery candidate if he does not make the Phillies initial 26-man roster. The lack of offensive production has led Rojas to be sent to Triple-A Lehigh Valley in each of the last two seasons. While Rojas could use playing every day in the minor leagues the Phillies organization may not be the best spot for that. With Justin Crawford expected to be the Phillies starting center fielder it is hard to find a role for Rojas within the major league team. Rojas does provide speed and excellent outfield defense which other candidates do not have. A utility player also provides the Phillies with more usage options.

Phillies Last Bench Spot Could See Defensive Versatility Matter

Best Fits For The Role

Moore has major league experience and fits the super utility role. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski told reporters before spring training that the Phillies like the versatility Moore brings. This is probably not leading to a trade of another infielder as it may have looked when Moore signed with the Phillies. However, Moore has a role to play with the club. Moore has played every position except for catcher in the majors. This will help Moore compared to his main competition in outfielders De La Cruz and Rojas who have no infield experience. León has two minor league options available and lacks defensive versatility making it an uphill climb to make the team. To add to that León has lackluster offensive numbers in the major leagues.

Other Roster Considerations

Moore, De La Cruz and Cairo are all non-roster invitees to spring training. Meanwhile Rojas and León are on the 40-man roster. The Phillies currently have an open 40-man roster spot that will eventually be filled by Crawford. Garrett Stubbs is likely to be designated for assignment after spring training assuming Rafael Marchán wins the backup catcher role. Neither Stubbs nor Marchán have a minor league option remaining. Depending on what happens with the open bullpen spots there could be additional 40-man roster spots that become available. There is also always a possibility that the final bench spot goes to someone not currently in the Phillies organization. Roster movement will occur between spring training ending and the regular season.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: