Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Arizona Diamondbacks
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. put together an All-Star season with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2023, amassing a .261 batting average and .772 OPS while setting career-highs in runs scored (65), doubles (35) and home runs (24), to go along with 82 RBI in 145 games. More importantly, he put his much-improved defense on full display, registering 14 DRS with eight outfield assists while going error-free for the entire season. He has developed into a more well-rounded force to be reckoned with.
This year, despite some regression on defense, Gurriel has more or less maintained his offensive numbers. In 72 games, he's batting .263 with 34 runs scored, 12 doubles, 10 home runs and 43 RBI. Although Gurriel can be streaky, when he is actually on his game, he can be one of the more dangerous hitters in baseball. Once he can produce on a more consistent basis, he will likely rank up there with some of the best in the business.
If Gurriel is somehow made available by the Diamondbacks in the coming month, he is definitely worth the gamble for the Phillies to upgrade their outfield. He would fit seamlessly into the Phillies lineup, and provide adequate defense in left field. Gurriel helped end the Phillies’ season last year in the NLCS, so perhaps he can make amends by helping them get over the hump this time around.