Days before the trade deadline, the Philadelphia Phillies’ series opener loss to the Chicago White Sox on Monday highlighted the team’s last chance to make significant roster improvements. The Phillies’ bullpen, which has been inconsistent and will be without Jose Alvarado for the playoffs due to a suspension, is almost expected to get a high-leverage arm. However, given Johan Rojas, Brandon Marsh, and Max Kepler’s struggles at the plate, the squad could also use an offensive boost, especially in the outfield.
Matt Gelb wrote for The Athletic, “The lack of righty-hitting outfielders is jarring as the market starts to take shape.” “Desperation could lead to unconventional solutions.” Gelb proposed that the Phillies move designated hitter Kyle Schwarber into a corner position if they are unable to acquire a significant upgrade to replace a current outfielder before the deadline. Schwarber hasn’t played a consistent defensive position for the past two years, but he did play left field against the New York Yankees on Sunday.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson gave a straightforward two-word response when asked if he would feel comfortable shifting Schwarber to left field for the last several months of current season. “Oh, very,” said Thomson, according to Gelb. The manager went on to say, “I mean, we did that in ’22,” alluding to the Phillies’ World Series run three years prior, according to Gelb. “It worked out pretty well, and I think he’s moving better now than he did back then.”
With 36 home runs and 84 RBI this season, Schwarber has been the Phillies’ most reliable slugger. It wouldn’t be wise to do anything to influence his output at the bat. However, with the trade deadline approaching, Schwarber’s return to a regular defensive position could be the best outfield move the Phillies can make if he can address their offensive issues.