Phillies Free Agent, Trade Options: Which Lefty Makes the Most Sense
Phillies executives have publicly acknowledged their search for a left-handed bat
Phillies general manager Matt Klentak has been extremely busy in his second season in Philadelphia, adding several veterans to a young club through free agency and trades. Howie Kendrick will fill a void in the outfield, Clay Buchholz rounds out the starting rotation, and the additions of Joaquin Benoit and Pat Neshek stabilize the back end of the bullpen.
The one piece still missing from the Phillies offseason wishlist is a versatile left handed bat. Assistant general manager Scott Proefrock first acknowledged the desire to add a southpaw bat, and team president Andy MacPhail confirmed a search continues.
Several free agents have been tossed around on the hot stove, but which one makes the most sense for the 2017 Phillies?
Brandon Moss
Many forget Brandon Moss had a cup of coffee with the Phillies in 2011, playing five games and failing to record a hit. Then-general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said at the time that the team moved on from Moss due to his lack of power. Since the Phillies released Moss, the first baseman has hit 123 home runs for three different teams. Maybe that’s why Amaro is now working the first baseline in Boston.
As you can see below, Moss primarily bats the baseball towards right field. That will help in Citizens Bank Park, where the dimensions are typically smaller than other fields Moss has played in.
One advantage of signing Moss is his versatility as both an outfielder and first baseman. Tommy Joseph will be the starter at first, but his lack of power against lefties is well documented. He hit nearly .040 points higher, a massive difference for a player of his age. Inversely, Joseph hit most of his home runs against righties.
Moss could possibly platoon with Joseph, or simply fill-in once or twice a week if the young slugger needs a rest.
With experience in right field, Moss could also translate into the Phillies starting right fielder to start 2017. Aaron Altherr and Roman Quinn will have a shot to win the job in spring training the way the current roster stands. If Moss comes aboard, Quinn could get some at-bats in Lehigh Valley, something he did not have before his call-up in September.
Michael Saunders
Coming off his first all-star season, Michael Saunders is an interesting case for the Phillies this offseason. A long-time member of the Mariners, Saunders struggled to consistently hit for power and average.
After missing most of his first season in Toronto due to injury, Saunders rebounded by hitting a career-high 24 games. Like Moss, the majority of Saunders’ home runs land in right field.
There are two disadvantages to signing Saunders if you’re the Phillies. First is the decreased versatility when comparing him to Moss. Saunders primarily plays in the outfield, and has never fielded a ball at first base. Concurrently, Saunders has a lot of experience playing all three outfield positions, logging 113 innings in right, 264 in center, and 284 in left.
Second is the injury history behind Saunders. A torn meniscus suffered in 2015 forced him to miss all but nine games the following season, most of which was due to repeated inflammation in the knee. Saunders’ career-high in games played came last year at 140, but he’s only played in 100 games three other times in his eight-year career.
Philadelphia is looking for some who can not only balance the line up, but produce consistently enough to become a trade chip in the summer. If Saunders can not stay on the field, that becomes an issue for Matt Klentak at the trade deadline.
Jay Bruce
The lone trade candidate on our list is Mets outfielder Jay Bruce, who is on the trade block according to multiple reports. With Yoenis Cespedes re-signed to a long-term deal, space is tight in the outfield for the Mets.
With one year left on his contract, the Phillies could acquire Bruce while still remaining flexible both financially and with the roster going forward.
A consistent 20-30 home run hitter, Bruce would make a great addition to the Phillies lineup. The price might just be too much for a rebuilding team to swallow.
Personally, trades within the division are off limits 9 times out of 10. If the team is able to swap Bruce at the trade deadline, it could pay off in the long run. Should Bruce see a lack of production, or suffer an injury, the inability to collect at the trade deadline on a pricey gamble.
How much would the Phillies gamble for Bruce? Rhys Hoskins, Carlos Tocci, Deivi Grullon could all be names the Phillies could bring up in trade talks with the hope of adding better talent in July.
“Best” of the Rest
Adam Lind – Lind provides the experience of playing first base, while also logging time in left field. A consistent 20 home run hitter, Lind could be a low-end option.
Chris Coghlan – The former Rookie of the Year in Florida Coghlan has fallen off the face of the earth after hitting .321 as a rookie for the Marlins. While he’s primarily played infield, he does have some experience in the outfield. He’s another low-risk/high-reward type of player that could get an invitation to Spring Training
Next: Phillies Top 10 Moments of 2016
Logan Morrison – Another former NL East product, Morrison could be an option to platoon with Aaron Altherr if the Phillies want Roman Quinn to get at-bats in Lehigh Valley. While playing for the Rays last season, Morrison hit 14 home runs and walked nearly 40 times.
Melky Cabrera – This move would constitute a trade, something the rebuilding White Sox would be very open to. While the club would have to work around a limited no-trade clause, Cabrera would be a .300 hitter with 15 home runs in his bat. What the White Sox would ask in return for Cabrera is not known, but he’s certainly not cheap. Consider this is less-likely option.