With spring training near its end, MLB rosters are beginning to take shape for Opening Day. The Philadelphia Phillies have some challenging decisions to make for their limited bench spots and bullpen in the next several days.
The franchise's decision for its final bench spot will need to be made in a hurry. Dylan Moore, who signed with Philadelphia during the winter, has opted out of his minor league deal, forcing the Phillies to decide whether to add him to their Opening Day roster.
Dylan Moore puts the Phillies in a bind by exercising his opt-out clause in his minor league contract
The Athletic's Will Sammon reports that Moore has exercised his opt-out clause in the minor league contract he agreed to with the Phillies. Philadelphia has 48 hours to add him to its 40-man roster, or he'll be a free agent. The MLB columnist lists the Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, and Houston Astros as potential suitors for the utility player if he becomes a free agent.
Dylan Moore Triggers Opt-Out In Phillies Deal https://t.co/amsblrKjwW pic.twitter.com/Hgor4gJGWZ
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) March 19, 2026
Phillies manager Rob Thomson prefers to have bench players available who can play multiple positions. Weston Wilson was not known for his bat, but could play the outfield and infield, ab ability Thomson used effectively when Wilson was on the roster. Moore is an experienced veteran who hasn't impressed offensively, but was a candidate to make the Opening Day roster due to his versatility in the field.
After compiling a .100/.250/.200 slash line, a .450 OPS, with five strikeouts in five February Grapefruit League games, Moore has had a more productive month in March. He has gone 6-for-21 with six RBI, a .286/.360/.286 and a .646 OPS in nine games. He has seen playing time at first, second, and third base, as well as all three outfield positions this spring.
His career regular season slash line of .206/.310/.383 and .693 OPS since 2019 don't inspire much confidence, but he's a bench player and won't be expected to be a primary contributor at the plate if he's with the Phillies beyond this spring. His ability to play throughout the infield or outfield will be to their advantage when there are injuries on the roster during the regular season.
While Thomson has played backup catcher Garrett Stubbs at left field and third base briefly this spring, Moore is far more experienced at either position. He has played in 154 career regular season games in left field and 90 contests at third base. Stubbs has played in only 14 career games at left field and none at third base.
Bryan De La Cruz is another candidate for the Phillies' final bench spot, but he is only an option for their outfield. He has been one of their most productive position players this spring, with a team-leading 12 hits entering their scheduled Grapefruit League game on March 19.
The 29-year-old has a .324/.390/.432 slash line and a .822 OPS in 13 games. If the Phillies outfield deals with injuries or a lack of production among their starters in left or right field, the club will promote him during the season, as he agreed to a minor league contract back in November.
In terms of what Thomson may be looking for from a bench player, Moore is arguably the most qualified candidate. He certainly has forced the Phillies to act quickly by exercising the opt-out in his minor league deal with the regular season starting in a week.