The Philadelphia Phillies are searching for an outfielder, and that might come through a trade. According to a report from Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies have engaged in trade discussions with other teams. Gelb wrote the Phillies are looking for an outfielder, and that these talks have the potential to “shake up the roster” this offseason. The outfield has been a top need for the Phillies for some time now. Austin Hays was non-tendered after being acquired at the trade deadline. Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas have been discussed as trade candidates. However, it is reasonable to believe they will platoon in center field next season. Nick Castellanos is one name the Phillies are open to trading, according to previous reporting from Gelb. Whether through a trade or free agent signing, the Phillies need to upgrade their outfield.
Outfielders The Phillies Could Trade For
There are some good trade candidates for the Phillies. They need someone with good plate discipline to add to the lineup. Furthermore, the more team control a player has. the better for the Phillies. However, that might make a trade more complicated.
Brendan Donovan (St. Louis Cardinals)
Adding Brendan Donovan to the Phillies lineup would help to mitigate their strikeout problem. Donovan had a 12.7% strikeout rate in 2024 and has a 13.7% career strikeout rate. He also had a 7.2% walk rate last season with a 9.4% career walk rate. Donovan ranked in the 80th percentile in chase rate last season, according to Baseball Savant. In 153 games last season, he had a .278/.342/.417 line with 14 home runs and 73 RBI, along with a 115 wRC+ and a .332 wOBA. Donovan is under team control through the 2027 season. This offseason marks the first time he is arbitration-eligible. Donovan also brings defensive versatility. Primarily a left fielder and a second baseman, he has major league experience at most positions.
Seiya Suzuki (Chicago Cubs)
Phillies Trade Target: RF/LF Seiya Suzuki
Career MLB Stats:
1424 AB | 396 H | 80 2B | 55 HR | 193 RBI | 31 SB | 164 BB | 400 K | .278/.354/.470Contract:
2025- $19 Million
2026- $19 Million
2027- Arbitration Eligible pic.twitter.com/l9Hu4tSrrT— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) December 9, 2024
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Another option is trading for Seiya Suzuki, who would fit in the Phillies lineup very well. Suzuki is rumored to be a trade candidate this offseason, although it is worth noting that he has a no-trade clause. In 132 games last season, he had a .283/.366/.482 line with 21 home runs and 73 RBI. Suzuki also recorded a 138 wRC+ and a .365 wOBA in 2024. Baseball Savant ranked him in the 94th percentile in chase rate for last season. Suzuki had a 27.4% strikeout rate and a 10.8% walk rate last season, fairly comparable to his career 24.8% strikeout rate and 10.2% walk rate. While the strikeout numbers could be improved, Suzuki ranks well in walk rate and chase rate. Suzuki is under contract for $17 million a year through the 2026 season.
Kyle Tucker (Houston Astros)
The most intriguing option on this list is trading for Kyle Tucker to add another star to the Phillies lineup. Tucker is free agent eligible after the 2025 season. If the Phillies were to trade for him, an extension would need to be a priority. In 78 games last season, Tucker had a .289/.408/.585 line with 23 home runs and 49 RBI. He had a 180 wRC+ and a .419 wOBA in limited action due to injuries. In 2023, the last season where Tucker qualified, he ranked in the 86th percentile in chase rate, according to Baseball Savant. In 2024, he had a 15.9% strikeout rate and a 16.5% walk rate. For his career, Tucker has a 16.0% strikeout rate and a 10.8% walk rate.
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