This list doesn’t include infielder/outfielder Otto Kemp, who is on the 40-man, but played only 12 games (eight starts) in left field, including Game 2 of the NLDS. It doesn’t include No. 3 prospect Justin Crawford, who isn’t on the 40-man. Dombrowski strongly suggested last month that Crawford will have an inside track to make the Opening Day roster. It doesn’t include first baseman Bryce Harper, who said a couple of times this year that he would return to the outfield if the Phillies acquired the right bat (i.e. a significant impact bat) to hit in the middle of the lineup.
Dombrowski said last month such a return for Harper is unlikely.
The list also doesn’t include free agents Harrison Bader and Schwarber, who played eight games (four starts) in left field.
There are multiple ways the Phillies could go here:
• They could re-sign Bader, who last week declined his side of a $10 million mutual option. That would give them another right-handed bat and a true center fielder.
• Crawford could make the Opening Day roster and play left or center.
• Crawford and Marsh could play left and center if Bader isn’t back.
Ultimately, the Phillies will need to look outside for help. There are big free agents out there, like Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger, who seem unlikely unless Schwarber signs elsewhere.
There are also more complementary/platoon free agents like Rob Refsnyder and Austin Hays on the market, too.
Then there are potential trades. Would Byron Buxton finally waive his no-trade clause to get out of Minnesota? The Red Sox have a surplus of outfielders, so Jarren Duran could be on the move. The Phillies expressed interested in Cleveland’s Steven Kwan in July, but the Guardians asked for too much.
Dombrowski is scheduled to talk with reporters later today. Perhaps he will offer a few clues then.
