Jake Cave
The Phillies claimed Jake Cave off waivers last offseason from the Baltimore Orioles with hopes that he could provide some power off the bench as a part-time player. He ended up putting together a strong spring with a stellar .462 average and 1.327 OPS, with 11 runs scored, four doubles, three triples, three home runs, and 14 RBI in just 18 games, solidifying his spot on the team for the 2023 season.
However, Cave was never able to replicate the offensive success that he had during training camp. He posted similar offensive numbers during the regular season with 18 runs scored, eight doubles, five home runs and 21 RBI, but unfortunately it was over 65 games played this time. In addition, he hit only .212 with a .620 OPS, along with a strikeout rate of 27.1 percent.
Signed to a one-year, $1 million contract for the 2024 season and already at the age of 31, Cave needs to show the Phillies that he is worthy of a reserve position on the team by providing more impact offensively than he did the past year. In seven games so far in spring training, he is hitting a strong .368, but with only two runs scored, one double, and two RBI to show for it.
Cave definitely needs to pick up the pace to beat out his competition. Otherwise, with hopefuls Weston Wilson, Kody Clemens, Darick Hall, David Dahl, and others vying for a potential spot on the bench this coming season, this could be Cave’s final chance to impress if he wants to permanently stick with the winning ballclub.