The Phillies' outfield isn't set in stone, neither is the bench
While the infield is pretty well set, with a pair of superstars and a couple of youngsters, the outfield remains more of an enigma. Dombrowski has already said that Johan Rojas doesn't have a job solidified for next season, and he repeated that sentiment at Nola's presser last week.
"Our positional players, our infield is basically set," he said. "Outfield, we have a little bit of a question just because of a young player that was trying to create some playing time."
So who can the Phillies possibly bring back from Nashville that would help improve the outfield, or deepen the bench?
Some names mentioned recently (subscription required) by The Athletic's Jim Bowden as Phillies' free agent targets for a right-handed bench bat include Whit Merrifield, Nick Senzel, and Brian Anderson. All three players can play outfield or infield, but none are exceptional defensively.
If these three are the Phillies' Winter Meetings targets, it would be about the team adding versatility to the bench. Merrifield's bat is the only one worth a gamble if they're looking for fewer strikeouts and more contact from a right-handed bat. He hit .272 with a 17.1 strikeout rate and contributed 26 stolen bases to the Toronto Blue Jays' feeble offense this past season.
If they're looking to trade for another outfielder, Bowden suggests TJ Friedl as an option. He can hold his own in the field, with one DRS and five OAA in 2023. He hit .279 with one of the lowest strikeout rates (16.2 percent), has some pop (18 home runs), and can run the bases (27 steals). The only catch is that he's another left-handed bat, of which the Phillies have more than enough.
NEXT: Bullpen reinforcements will, hopefully, be on the way.