3 trade options suggested to solve the Phillies’ center field problem

Somehow, three weeks into the season, we're still talking about the Philadelphia Phillies outfield. Specifically center field, where youngster Johan Rojas has been a focal point of debates, arguments, and perhaps some rational discussions since the beginning of the season.

Heck, you can trace the anxiety over Rojas' ability to perform as an everyday MLB center fielder back to the beginning of spring training and deep into the winter months of the offseason. Let's not get it twisted, however. It's not Rojas' ability in the outfield that is being called into question. At this point, everybody, even the most casual of fans, should be aware of that.

It's the bat that has garnered the ire of a portion of the fanbase, and for good reason. But let's be frank, if the rest of the Phillies lineup was doing what it was supposed to be doing, this wouldn't be a conversation — maybe. The 23-year-old has picked it up of late and is now hitting .245 with a .601 OPS through 17 games.

While we don't know how long Rojas' leash is at the big league level, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is always working to improve the team. You can bet that he and general manager Sam Fuld have ongoing discussions on this topic.

3 trade options suggested to solve Phillies’ center field problem

Even though we're only a fraction of the way through the 2024 season, and the trade deadline seems a long way off, Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report has already made the suggestion that the Phillies need to look elsewhere for a solution. He has offered three trade options the Phillies should consider to solve the problem in center field.

So, who does Rymer suggest the Phillies consider making a deal for? While one candidate stands out above the others, we'll look at all three to see if these suggestions make sense. Odds are none of these come to fruition, based on how much belief the front office and coaching staff have in Rojas, but it's worth an investigation.