Ranking the center field possibilities for the 2024 Phillies

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During the 2023 MLB season, the Philadelphia Phillies had a fair number of players who manned the center field position with varying results. But in the end, it was rookie Johan Rojas who got the call heading into the playoffs, as they believed his strong defense was crucial during the postseason. However, they later learned that his bat wasn’t quite MLB-ready just yet.

So, heading into the 2024 season, what will be the Phillies’ plan in terms of who will be given the majority of the playing time at center? Here, we take a look at the possible options available and the probability of them happening.

Jake Cave

Jake Cave has the ability to play in any of the outfield positions, along with first base. Despite not getting many reps in center field during the 2023 season with the Phillies, he has shown that he's more than capable of handling the position during his time with the Minnesota Twins.

For most of the 2023 season, his impact was minimal as he served mainly as a player off the bench for the Phillies. But when he did play, he provided adequate defense in the outfield with 3 DRS along with two outfield assists and a .984 fielding percentage. However, his offensive output left a lot to be desired as he managed to hit only .212 with a .620 OPS, 18 runs scored, eight doubles, five home runs, 21 RBI, three stolen bases, 15 walks, and 55 strikeouts in 65 games played.

Whether or not Cave will still be on the Phillies’ Opening Day roster for 2024 is still in doubt, but if he does make it, it will most likely be in a bench role once again until he proves that he can produce at the level of an everyday player in the majors.

Probability of Jake Cave starting in center field for the 2024 Phillies: 1/10

Cristian Pache

One of the Phillies’ extra outfielders entering the 2023 season, Cristian Pache did have a strong defensive season in which he had 5 DRS along with two outfield assists while committing only one error all year for a .985 fielding percentage. However, he only managed to get into 48 games because of injury issues.

For that same reason, despite starting off strongly at the beginning of the season, Pache eventually tailed off down the stretch. Overall, he posted a .238 batting average with a .736 OPS, along with 12 runs scored, seven doubles, two home runs, 11 RBI and two stolen bases in 95 total plate appearances.

If Pache manages to make the Phillies’ 2024 Opening Day roster, he'll most likely be the ballclub’s extra outfielder once again, given his lack of offensive potential in his MLB career to date.

Probability of Cristian Pache starting in center field for the 2024 Phillies: 1/10

Símon Muzziotti

Currently ranked eighth on the Phillies’ top prospects list according to MLB Pipeline, Símon Muzziotti could be an intriguing option for the Phillies heading into 2024. He spent his entire 2023 season with the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate Lehigh Valley IronPigs, where he produced his best professional baseball season to date. Overall, he hit .296 with a .761 OPS, along with 67 runs scored, 22 doubles, four triples, seven home runs, 61 RBI, 26 stolen bases, 45 walks, and 81 strikeouts in 124 games.

He could potentially battle it out with the other internal candidates for the center field spot during Spring Training, but most likely, he'll be behind a couple of already-proven players in the pecking order.

Probability of Símon Muzziotti starting in center for the 2024 Phillies: 2/10

Johan Rojas

Johan Rojas had quite the rookie debut season for the Phillies in 2023. Called up to the big leagues following the All-Star break, Rojas took full advantage of the opportunity and ran with it. With his elite defensive instincts and speed, the kid's built to be the commanding general in the outfield for the Phillies.

In just 57 games in the field, Rojas managed to accumulate 15 DRS, along with three outfield assists and a .986 fielding percentage, helping the Phillies solidify their outfield defense down the stretch and into the postseason.

Offensively, Rojas put up respectable numbers as a rookie. During the regular season, he compiled a .302 average and a .771 OPS, along with 24 runs scored, nine doubles, two triples, two home runs, 23 RBI, and 14 stolen bases. However, he did strike out a whopping 42 times compared to just five walks, so he can potentially work on his plate discipline in the future.

He appeared to be almost ready for prime time until he was exposed during the postseason, leading to his great struggles at the plate. In 13 playoff games, Rojas only managed four hits in 45 plate appearances, including 15 strikeouts.

As a result, Rojas will definitely get his chance to prove himself to be the Phillies’ starter in center field for 2024. But if his bat continues to lack, he may be better off spending a little more time in the minors to help polish that aspect of his game to make him a better-rounded player in the majors for the future.

Probability of Johan Rojas starting in center field for the 2024 Phillies: 4/10

Brandon Marsh

Among the Phillies that started in center field during the 2023 season, Brandon Marsh had the majority of the starts there compared to some of his other counterparts. However, he was probably the weakest among the group with regards to outfield defense as he totaled 0 DRS with only one outfield assist, along with five errors committed for a .982 fielding percentage. If one just took his play in center field into consideration, it gets slightly worse as his DRS falls to -3.

On the other hand, Marsh provided the greatest offensive potential compared to the other center fielders, as he racked up 58 runs scored, 25 doubles, six triples, 12 home runs, 60 RBI, 10 stolen bases, along with posting a strong .277 average and .829 OPS over 133 games played during the regular season.

If the Phillies choose to remain status quo, then Marsh could find himself once again taking hold of center field for 2024. Otherwise, they may want to find a candidate who would be a significant upgrade for the position compared to all the aforementioned players.

Probability of Brandon Marsh starting in center field for the 2024 Phillies: 6/10

External option – a player from free agency

There is obviously one center field option that stands out above the rest that will be available in the upcoming free agency. That player is former NL MVP Cody Bellinger. After enduring some struggles in the past three seasons prior to 2023, Bellinger bounced back in a huge way with the Chicago Cubs this year.

In 130 games, he posted a career-high .307 batting average, along with an .881 OPS, 133 OPS+, 95 runs scored, 29 doubles, 26 home runs, 97 RBI, and 20 stolen bases. Those numbers were more reminiscent of the dominant Bellinger we saw in his first three years in the majors with the Los Angeles Dodgers. At just 28, he could be hitting his prime soon as he looks to build upon his momentum from 2023.

If the Bellinger option doesn’t end up panning out, there are some solid backup options available, including Michael Taylor, Kevin Kiermaier, and Adam Duvall. All three players are former Gold Glove winners and would provide excellent value in the field for the Phillies. But if the Phillies want some added boost to their offense, Duvall would be the obvious choice with his power bat.

But given Dave Dombrowski’s belief that stars are needed to bring home championships, look for the Phillies to go all out to try and sign Bellinger to solve their center field position for potentially the coming decade.

Probability of an external option starting in center field for the 2024 Phillies: 9/10

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