Phillies: Ideal end to Odubel Herrera dilemma is a trade

After a domestic violence incident two years ago, outfielder Odubel Herrera was rightfully cast out of Major League Baseball. Although charges were dropped and counseling sessions completed, the situation Herrera put himself still remains disturbing. Many have called for his ousting as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Ever since he last played, many have forgotten about Herrera as a member of the organization — given the additions of superstars and revamping of the front office that once drafted him as a Rule 5 pick long ago. But, this spring training, we have been given a new glimpse at Herrera with a new outlook on life.

Many have called for the Phillies to release Herrera, but the organization is still on the hook for his contract. The best-case scenario to pursue is a trade, which may benefit both parties. Dealing Herrera to a rebuilding franchise gives him a fresh start, and Phillies fans a little peace of mind.

Will the Phillies be able to trade outfielder Odubel Herrera?

The Phillies organization has committed to judging Herrera based on his play, not his tumultuous past. He’s been out of the league since 2019, and professionally has played only a few games this winter internationally. Herrera is now receiving an extended look early on in spring training. He is finding success at the plate, collecting four hits in his first 12 at-bats, including a monster home run.

Despite the small sample size, Herrera looks more balanced and patient at the plate, resulting from what we can only assume stems from training during his absence. Fans may forget Herrera was an All-Star in 2017, and he has more than 600 hits in a Phillies uniform. A dynamic young player at one point, Herrera was quick to learn the center field position and had gap power, hitting 42 doubles in 2016.

Ironically, Odubel was a fan-favorite during the rebuilding years before the domestic violence case. The Phillies center field position is up for grabs, and Herrera is still a long shot to start, but given his play thus far, he may just crack the roster or be traded to another team also willing to give him a second chance.

The Phils have plenty of ballgames left to showcase Herrera, and it will be interesting to see if the Venezuelan can make his way back to the big leagues. If he continues to perform well, the Phillies should have no problem finding a team to trade him to.