In the already sparse outfield, the Phillies are displaying symptoms of desperation.
After Weston Wilson’s oblique injury early this spring negatively impacted the already questionable outfield position, the Phillies are now searching for additional outfield assistance.
When the Philadelphia Phillies began spring training, their already weak outfield suffered a knock. The squad will have to proceed without utility player Weston Wilson, who was the leading candidate for the team’s last bench place as a right-handed bat in a starting lineup that was heavily dominated by left-handed hitters.
After sustaining an oblique strain during his breaking ball routine in the cage prior to Friday’s live at-bats, Wilson is no longer in the race. He is anticipated to be absent for a minimum of six weeks.
When the Philadelphia Phillies began spring training, their already weak outfield suffered a knock. The squad will have to proceed without utility player Weston Wilson, who was the leading candidate for the team’s last bench place as a right-handed bat in a starting lineup that was heavily dominated by left-handed hitters.
After sustaining an oblique strain during his breaking ball routine in the cage prior to Friday’s live at-bats, Wilson is no longer in the race. He is anticipated to be absent for a minimum of six weeks.
In the already sparse outfield, the Phillies are displaying symptoms of desperation.
This spring, the Phillies had already started to try out various outfield alternatives. According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, veteran catcher J.T. Realmuto is anticipated to test out left field in an effort to reduce his workload behind the plate, while Edmundo Sosa has been receiving some practice in the outfield (subscription needed), mostly in center field.
During his first two major league seasons with the Phillies, Wilson has played every position save shortstop and catcher. The 30-year-old, who played 125 innings in 2024, has the greatest left-field experience.
The Phillies’ main shortcomings from the previous season were outfield depth and productivity. Austin Hays, a 2023 All-Star outfielder, left the team in free agency and joined the Cincinnati Reds for a one-year contract. Max Kepler, a 10-year veteran and former Minnesota Twins outfielder, was brought in by the club to take his spot as the regular left fielder.
Prior to Wilson’s injury, there were concerns about outfield depth, and as spring training goes on, the front office is apparently actively searching for a replacement.
Gelb commented on the Phillies’ limited outfield depth, saying, “Major-league sources said the Phillies have been active in trying to obtain righty outfielders on minor-league deals.” They could now cast a broader net. When other teams make cutbacks later in March, they might put off dealing with the issue.
The market for right-handed hitting outfielders is becoming increasingly limited. The strongest offensive option available is J.D. Martinez, a six-time All-Star. However, particularly in the past several seasons, the 37-year-old has mostly been a designated hitter.
The next greatest choice is Adam Duvall. In 2024, the 36-year-old hit 11 home runs and 30 RBI in 685 innings while playing in both corner outfield positions for the Atlanta Braves. On minor-league contracts, veteran switch hitters Aaron Hicks and Robbie Grossman may potentially make sense.
The Phillies may also hold off until later in spring training, when clubs start making cuts and players on roster bubbles become tradeable, according to Gelb. To see whether any better possibilities become available before the regular season starts, this could be the most sensible course of action.
For the time being, Wilson’s injury gave those who were already with the team a simpler route to the last bench position. Right-hander Buddy Kennedy might be the early favorite, but left-handers Kody Clemens and Cal Stevenson are also in the running. In the opening spring training game, the 26-year-old went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run and a walk, getting off to a great start.
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