Phillies outfielder raising questions, trade stock with dominant winter ball showing

What does Johan Rojas' future hold with the Philadelphia Phillies? After playing in 120 contests during 2024 in his second MLB season, the outfielder looked like he would continue to develop on the roster this season despite his offensive inconsistency.

That didn't happen. Rojas played in 71 games, only 12 more than in 2023, the year he debuted in the majors. The Phillies optioned Rojas to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs in Triple-A following the trade deadline acquisition of Harrison Bader.

Now it appears that Rojas has fallen out of favor with the franchise. Philadelphia has reportedly made the 25-year-old available in trade talks, according to The Athletic's Matt Gelb, creating more questions surrounding their outfield (subscription required).

“It is unclear where Johan Rojas fits; he still has a minor-league option, but the Phillies have made him available in trade talks, league sources said,” according to Gelb.

Rojas is doing excellent so far with Gigantes del Cibao in the Dominican Winter League (LIDOM). His hitting has improved, as evidenced by a .922 OPS, two home runs, six RBIs and 11 walks, along with a slash line of .333/.452/.471 in 51 at-bats through 15 games.

Johan Rojas raising his trade value with Phillies planning to overhaul the outfield

The outfielder is increasing his value if the Phillies intend to trade him this offseason. While he is working on improving his game offensively, what should be made of his dominant play so far against pitching that is not as good as that in MLB?

The Bader trade clouded Rojas' future with the Phillies. The 25-year-old did not appear in another game with them after July. He was solid but not spectacular in 35 contests with the IronPigs. Rojas finished with an OPS of .699 and slashed a .279/.338/.361 line. The center fielder compiled a .569 OPS with a .224/.280/.289 slash line with Philadelphia before they optioned him to Lehigh Valley.

Do the Phillies need to give Rojas more playing time than they did in 2025, or have they seen enough of him following the latest trade rumors? With Nick Castellanos likely to be traded or released, Brandon Marsh's future with the franchise in question, and Max Kepler and Harrison Bader gone to free agency, Rojas has an opportunity to earn a spot with them again if he remains on the roster until spring training.

Is Philadelphia even the right organization for the Dominican Rookie of the Year Award winner? Another team with a spot available that is more willing to commit may be a better fit for Rojas.

He may never develop into a great power hitter; that doesn't appear to be a part of his skill set. Rojas is better at putting balls in play via singles and getting on base via bunting. He has hit at the bottom of the Phillies' lineup during his time on the roster, signifying that he is not one of their top batters.

Rojas is better known for his defense rather than his offense. According to Anthony Franco of MLB Trade Rumors, the Dominican has a +22 defensive runs saved and a +21 fielding run value, which ranks him among the top 15 MLB center fielders in both categories over the last three years and 20 runs better than average for his career in just over 1,700 innings.

Time will tell if the outfielder gets another chance to prove himself with the Phillies beginning in Clearwater for spring training. Rojas is certainly trying to improve his game in preparation for 2026, considering his performance thus far in the Dominican Winter League.

Whether Rojas gets that opportunity to prove himself further is in question following the trade rumors. At the very least, he is increasing his value so that another club may be interested in acquiring him for next year, and he can get a fresh start.