The Philadelphia Phillies took a hit to an already thin outfield to start spring training. Utility man Weston Wilson was the frontrunner for the team’s final bench spot as a right-handed hitter in a heavy left-handed hitting starting lineup, but the team will have to move forward without him.
Wilson is out of the running after suffering an oblique strain while going through his breaking ball routine in the cage before live at-bats on Friday. He’s expected to miss at least six weeks.
Phillies showing signs of desperation in the already thin outfield
The Phillies had already begun experimenting with different options in the outfield this spring. Edmundo Sosa has been getting some work in the outfield (subscription required), primarily in center field, per Matt Gelb of The Athletic, and veteran catcher J.T. Realmuto is expected to try out left field in an attempt to limit his workload behind the plate.
Wilson has appeared at every position except for catcher and shortstop through his first two major league seasons with the Phillies. The 30-year-old has the most experience in left field, including 125 innings played in 2024.
Outfield production and depth were among the Phillies’ biggest weaknesses a season ago. The ball club lost 2023 All-Star outfielder Austin Hays in free agency, who signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds. The organization replaced him with 10-year veteran and former Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler to be the everyday left fielder.
Outfield depth was already an area of concern before Wilson’s injury, and the front office is reportedly active in the market as spring training progresses.
“The Phillies have been active, major-league sources said, in trying to obtain righty outfielders on minor-league deals,” Gelb said about the Phillies’ thin outfield depth. “It’s possible they cast a wider net now. They could wait to address the situation until later in March when other teams make cuts.”
The right-handed hitting outfield market is getting thin. Six-time All-Star J.D. Martinez is the best offensive option available, but the 37-year-old has primarily fallen into a designated hitter role, especially over the last few seasons.
Adam Duvall is the next best option available. The 36-year-old played 685 innings between both corner outfield spots with the Atlanta Braves in 2024 and hit 11 home runs with 30 RBI. Veteran switch hitters Robbie Grossman and Aaron Hicks could also make sense on minor-league deals.
As reported by Gelb, the Phillies could also wait until later into spring training when teams begin to make cuts and players on roster bubbles are available for trade. This might be the most logical approach to see if any better options become available before the regular season begins.
For now, Wilson’s injury opened up a clearer path to the final bench spot for players already with the organization. Left-handers Kody Clemens and Cal Stevenson are in the mix, but right-hander Buddy Kennedy may be the early favorite. The 26-year-old got off to a hot start in the first spring training game, going 1-for-2 with a two-run home run and a walk.