Phillies: Late-spring 2021 Opening Day roster projection

Projecting the 2021 Phillies outfielders and catchers

Outfielders (5)

• LF: Andrew McCutchen
• CF: Roman Quinn
• RF: Bryce Harper
• 4OF: Scott Kingery
• 5OF: Matt Joyce

Andrew McCutchen and Bryce Harper were locks heading into spring training, and you’re looking for an All-Star season out of Harper in his third year with the Phillies. If not now, then when? Harper is in his prime now, and despite two solid campaigns, you want to see that 40+ homer, 110 RBI kind of year, where he’s not striking out at a high rate, and making hard outs.

That third spot is what will plague the Phillies until they can find some consistency at the position. Scott Kingery was supposed to be that guy, but it’s not looking that way so far. Roman Quinn, much like Kingery, was hyped as a prospect but has yet to put together a full campaign. Maybe 2021 is that year.

Adam Haseley is dealing with a groin issue and may not be ready for Opening Day, so now is Quinn’s time to prove he is the future as the captain of the outfield going forward. If not, Dave Dombrowski is here for a reason and will be active at the deadline.

I love Matt Joyce as the Jay Bruce of 2021. Plays a solid outfield, can hit for power, excellent clubhouse presence. He also provides a steady hand in pressure pinch-hitting situations.

Catchers (2)

• C1: J.T. Realmuto
• C2: Andrew Knapp

There was never any real question that J.T. Realmuto wasn’t going to end up back in a Phillies uniform, and he’ll step in once again to produce as one of the premier backstops in the league, if not being the top dog at his position.

Realmuto should benefit health-wise from the shortened season, which generally speaking increases offensive production for the most demanding position in the game. Backing him up will be Andrew Knapp. None of the catching options the Phillies brought in as competition for Knapp played particularly well, and Knapp is a favorite of Zach Eflin‘s, likely handing Knapp the typical start every fifth game.