Phillies 2020 Opening Day roster early predictions

Outfield

Going into the 2020 season there is likely only one outfield spot set in stone, that being Bryce Harper in right field. In year two of his 13-year contract Harper will look to build on a successful inaugural season in Philadelphia where he hit 35 home runs and drove in a career-best 114 runs.

Beyond Harper is where the questions begin to pop up around the outfield.

Andrew McCutchen is likely returning to left field as the everyday starter after an ACL injury cost him most of the season and tanked the Phillies playoff run. It will be tough to count on a 33-year-old outfielder coming off the second major knee surgery of his playing career, but the prognosis looks good so far.

Center field remains the biggest question between Odubel Herrera’s return from suspension, Adam Haseley’s development, and the status of Scott Kingery as a super-utility player.

Herrera is still under contract for two seasons with more than $20 million left on his deal. The Phillies appear ready to bring him into spring training to compete for a spot, but the overwhelming sentiment from writers is that Herrera will not be on the opening day roster.

Haseley looked like a major league player in center field, making highlight reel catches and hitting at a decent rate. He’s known for his tremendous hitting ability at every level he’s played at, and another year with a major league coaching staff could bring out the next level in Haseley’s bat.

Kingery’s final destination depends on whether the Phillies trade Cesar Hernandez or sign a third baseman this offseason. I predict Kingery’s days in center, while productive, are over.

The free agent market for center fielders isn’t impressive to say the least. Billy Hamilton, Juan Lagares, Alex Gordon, and Adam Jones highlight an aging group of platoon players.

The trade market is likely limited beyond Starling Marte, who would cost the Phillies quite a bit to acquire.

Prediction: Andrew McCutchen, Adam Haseley, Bryce Harper