The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly exploring ways to improve their lineup after underperforming in the last two postseasons and struggling with batters who chase too many pitches outside the strike zone. With many positions already filled by high-priced players, the team will need to be creative this offseason to make improvements.
One potential move is reworking their outfield. If they can acquire a power-hitting corner outfielder, they could shift Brandon Marsh back to center field and create a lefty-righty platoon with Johan Rojas.
Additionally, there have been reports suggesting the Phillies might trade All-Stars Alec Bohm and Ranger Suarez. Both players are eligible for arbitration, and the team has yet to negotiate long-term contracts with either. The Phillies could also dip into their improved minor league system for potential trade assets, though top pitching prospect Andrew Painter is reportedly off-limits.
One player who might be available for trade is Justin Crawford, the Phillies’ Minor League Player of the Year. Crawford, who was named the recipient of the Paul Owens Award, is the son of former MLB player Carl Crawford. He was drafted by the Phillies in 2022 with the 17th overall pick and has quickly become one of their top prospects. In 2024, he posted a .313/.360/.444 line across two minor league levels, hitting nine home runs, 25 doubles, four triples, 79 runs, and stealing 42 bases. He also played in the MLB Futures Game.
Despite his rising stock, Crawford is reportedly not considered untouchable in trade discussions. According to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, while Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is high on Crawford, he has not ruled out trading the young prospect—though only for a big-league player with multiple years of club control.
The Phillies are set to have an estimated payroll of $263 million for the 2024 season, with eight players earning $18 million or more.
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