Philadelphia Phillies: 5 options to consider for 4th outfield spot

Who will be the Phillies’ fourth outfielder with Matt Vierling traded?

The Philadelphia Phillies recently upgraded their bullpen by acquiring Gregory Soto from the Detroit Tigers — sending 2022 National League champions Matt Vierling and Nick Maton to the American League Central.

But the trade raises a new question — who will be the team’s fourth outfielder on Opening Day? Vierling is not a difference-maker at the plate, but he has the speed and glove to be a valuable late-inning defensive substitute.

The fourth outfielder on any roster usually is not a big deal, but with Bryce Harper out for a considerable amount of time, the Phillies will need a serviceable fourth outfielder who can play a few times a week.

Corner outfielders Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber will likely serve as the designated hitter at least once a week until Harper returns. Even on days that both play the field, the fourth outfielder may still be called upon to replace Castellanos as a late-inning defensive substitute.

With the vast majority of free-agent options already off the table, here are five options the Phillies have left to consider.

1. Dalton Guthrie 

In terms of in-house options, Dalton Guthrie may be at the top of the list. The 27-year-old was a late call-up at the end of the 2022 regular season. He appeared in 14 games, hitting .333 with a home run and five RBI. While the sample size is small, this was an impressive start to the former sixth-round pick’s major league career.

On defense, Guthrie primarily played right field, but he also appeared at third base and second base. He played error-free ball in 70 innings in the field.

In terms of being cost-effective, Guthrie may be the best option heading into spring training. The one downside is whether he can play center field, if needed.

Vierling platooned in center with Brandon Marsh down the stretch. While the Phillies believe Marsh can become a full-time starter, there still needs to be another outfielder capable of playing center field at a high level.

2. Johan Rojas

The Phillies were not afraid to play young players in 2022, and that should continue in 2023. An interesting option for the Phillies’ fourth outfield spot is prospect Johan Rojas.

Rated as the No. 5 prospect in the system, Rojas has an elite glove/speed combination, but the bat is still a work in progress. Rojas has a 70-scouting grade for running and a 60-scouting grade for fielding.

The problem with Rojas is lack of experience. He has played just 60 games at Double-A and slashed .260/.333/.387 in 235 at-bats. His speed may make him valuable in 2023, though. Next season, MLB will have a couple of changes that impact baserunning — larger bases and a rule that only allows a pitcher to throw over twice per batter. In other words, there will be more stolen bases next season.

Outside of Trea Turner, there may not be a better base stealer in the Phillies organization than Rojas. In 130 games between High-A and Double-A in 2022, he stole 62 bases. The thought of batting him ninth with Turner right behind him in the leadoff spot is exciting.

Rojas is already on the 40-man roster and should get an opportunity to showcase his skills in spring training. The big question is whether his bat will be ready for major league pitching this season.

Also, Rojas likely wouldn’t play every day if he made the team, which could hurt his development. It would be more beneficial to Rojas and the organization to have him receiving at-bats every day in the minors.

5. Adam Duvall 

Arguably the best outfielder left on the free-agent market is Adam Duvall. A champion with the Atlanta Braves in 2021, Duvall is coming off of a down 2022 season — in which he hit .213 with a .677 OPS and just 12 home runs in 86 games. Considering he is now 34, Duvall may be experiencing a natural career decline.

On the other hand, the 2021 season was arguably his best as a professional baseball player. Duvall won a Gold Glove Award and hit 38 home runs with a .772 OPS in 146 games between both the Braves and Miami Marlins.

Not only is Duvall’s right-handed power bat valuable, but so is his defense. Duvall played all three outfield positions this past season. That versatility would make him a key part of manager Rob Thomson’s 2023 Phillies outfield.

Before Bryce Harper returns from injury, Duvall can spell Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber in the field and then even be the designated hitter a couple of times a week himself. Once Harper gets back, Duvall’s ability to play all three spots will keep him in the rotation as the season progresses.

Lastly, Duvall is a World Series champion. He knows what it takes to win it all and can be an option for the Phillies in the postseason if a young player — such as Brandon Marsh — was to struggle.

The longer Duvall stays on the market, the cheaper he will be. Dave Dombrowski should jump at the opportunity if that comes to fruition.