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Main Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Phillies Possible Defensive Liability

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Ben Rosen | Last updated Apr 2, 2026 7:21 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies left field platoon with Otto Kemp and Brandon Marsh has potentially created a defensive liability. While Marsh is a good defender in left field, Kemp has some issues playing the position. Kemp is primarily an infielder who the Phillies have moved to the outfield to platoon with Marsh. Last season Kemp made 50 major league appearances in the infield split between first base, second base and third base compared to 11 outfield appearances in the majors all of which came in left field. Kemp made nine starts in left field in Triple-A last season. In addition to being an infielder mainly Kemp also played infield to start out because he came up to fill in for an injured Bryce Harper. This could be contributing to the defensive struggles.

Kemp would eventually replace Weston Wilson as the platoon partner for Marsh. Early last season Kemp made a strong push to get called up excelling in the minor leagues at the same time Wilson was struggling in the majors. Wilson recorded an abysmal .198/.282/.369 line with five home runs and 17 RBI in 54 major league games. Furthermore Wilson had a 81 wRC+ along with a .236 BABIP last season. Kemp had a .234/.298/.411 line with eight home runs and 28 RBI in 62 major league games last year. To add to that Kemp recorded a 95 wRC+ and a .306 BABIP last season. Kemp had a .786 OPS and a 118 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers last year compared to the .654 OPS and 83 wRC+ Wilson had against left-handed pitchers. The offense is fine for Kemp.

Jun 1, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Weston Wilson (37) can’t make catch in left field on double hit by Milwaukee Brewers third base Caleb Durbin (21) (not pictured) during the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Phillies Defensive Liability

Miscues So Far This Season

While having played two games in left field this season Kemp already has a -2 DRS/-1 FRV/-1 OAA in left field. It is a 16 inning sample size but the trend is concerning. Kemp recorded a 1 DRS/-1 OAA/-1 FRV in left field last season. That came in a 63 inning sample size. All of the games the Phillies have played in the 2026 regular season have been at home which makes the numbers more concerning. Playing left field at Citizens Bank Park is easier than most ballparks because of the shorter distance. The Phillies have had numerous poor outfielders as their everyday left fielder in that ballpark over the years. The offensive numbers support Kemp being the platoon partner but the defense must improve. Kemp is an infielder first and the Phillies should recognize that.

Lack Of Outfield Platoon Alternatives

The Phillies lack outfield depth which is part of why Kemp is in this position to begin with. Johan Rojas being suspended hurt the already thin depth even more. This means the team is effectively stuck with Kemp in left field against left-handed starting pitchers if they want to maintain the platoon. Edmundo Sosa has limited outfield experience and made a start in left field last season. Sosa will probably not play the outfield this season though. Additionally Sosa is in a platoon with Bryson Stott at second base right now. Dylan Moore is the other alternative already on the 26-man roster. The club values Kemp but if his defense continues to be a problem a change will need to be made. Currently the club lacks internal platoon options and Marsh is unlikely to play full time.

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

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