Phillies outfield plans: How they look heading into 2018
By John Town
Outside Options
It seems unlikely, but there is the chance that the Phillies bring in some outside help for their outfield next year. I thought there was no way they would bring someone in last year, but then Kendrick and eventually Saunders were both acquired. Those moves worked out very differently and the team has learned its lesson. After this season, it seems unlikely they will pursue more one-year rentals as they hope to establish the team’s young core.
If they want to bring in any outfielders, it will have to be one who is worth signing to a longer-term deal. The 31-year old Carlos Gonzalez comes to mind as a guy who would take a decent sum of money to play here for two to three years. J.D. Martinez may want too long-term of a deal, but the Phillies were connected to him before, so it’s not out of the question.
Next: Phillies trade rumors: The waiver trade deadline
A young outfielder could also come in via trade if Matt Klentak decides to move any one of Cesar Hernandez, Tommy Joseph, Freddy Galvis, and/or Cameron Rupp during the offseason. Klentak’s trade often target outfielders or pitchers, so it’s well within possibility the team gets one back in a hypothetical winter trade.