That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

5 Slugging outfielders the Phillies should sign immediately

By Gabrielle Starr

SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 12: Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs and Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals stand together at the batting cage prior to the 87th MLB All-Star Game at PETCO Park on July 12, 2016 in San Diego, California. The American League defeated the National League 4-2. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 12: Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs and Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals stand together at the batting cage prior to the 87th MLB All-Star Game at PETCO Park on July 12, 2016 in San Diego, California. The American League defeated the National League 4-2. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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Phillies Kris Bryant
Kris Bryant (23) Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports /

The Phillies should sign Kris Bryant

Speaking of Bryce Harper, his Las Vegas pal Kris Bryant is a free agent right now and would be a huge upgrade for the Phillies.

Despite being traded from the Cubs to the Giants midseason, Bryant managed to stay pretty consistent in 2021. That’s often not the case for players, especially when they’ve spent their entire career with one team before the trade, as Bryant had. The former Rookie of the Year and NL MVP (he won the year after Harper) hit .265/.353/.481 with a .835 OPS, 25 homers, 32 doubles, 73 RBI, and 10 stolen bases in 12 attempts.

Defensively, Bryant offers versatility, with hundreds of games at third and in the outfield. He’s also played some first base and a smidge of shortstop.

The Phillies should sign Starling Marte

Starling Marte‘s name has been all over Phillies Twitter, with fans begging the team to sign the valuable centerfielder. He’d certainly be an upgrade from Odúbel Herrera, who elected free agency rather than be outrighted by the Phillies.

Marte began his career with the Pirates for eight years, before spending parts of the last two seasons with the Diamondbacks, Marlins, and A’s. The two-time Gold Glove outfielder is 33 years old, but still has a lot in the tank, as evidenced by the fact that he hit .310/.383/.458 with a .841 OPS over 120 games between Miami and Oakland this season.

One of the most appealing things about Marte is his speed on the basepaths; he has three seasons with 41+ stolen bases, and this year, tied his career-high of 47 swiped bags previously set in 2016. He’s stolen 20+ bases in eight of his 10 MLB seasons and stole 10 in the shortened 2020 season.

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