The Philadelphia Phillies need to address their outfield this offseason.
Despite boasting one of the best records in baseball this season, Philadelphia was unable to take down the Los Angeles Dodgers, ultimately losing in the NLDS. The Phillies’ outfield was too inconsistent this season, with their lack of production leading to the team trading for veteran outfielder Harrison Bader.
Bader was a solid midseason acquisition who excelled in his time in Philadelphia, but with the 31-year-old set to test free agency and the Phillies likely to part ways with two-time All-Star Nick Castellanos, outfield should be an area of focus this offseason.
MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand listed the Phillies as a “perfect fit” to land Boston Red Sox veteran Rob Refsnyder in free agency.
“Philadelphia’s top targets remain Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto, but the Phillies could use a right-handed bat in the outfield to complement Brandon Marsh and/or Justin Crawford — especially if Harrison Bader signs elsewhere,” Feinsand wrote Sunday. “Refsnyder, who can play all three outfield positions, had seven home runs and a .959 OPS in 138 plate appearances against lefties last season.”
Refsnyder has spent the last four seasons of his career with the Red Sox, and slashed .269/.354/.484 this season with nine home runs and 30 RBIs in 70 games played. The 34-year-old served in a platoon role for the Red Sox, being primarily used against left-handed pitchers.
If the Phillies end up losing Bader and Castellanos this offseason, bringing in a veteran presence to their outfield like Refsnyder could be much needed.
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