With the MLB trade deadline fast approaching, ESPN’s Jeff Passan identified the ideal trade target for every team based on roster needs and deadline priorities.
For the Philadelphia Phillies, the offense continues to revolve around Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, who fill the designated hitter and first base roles, respectively. Brandon Marsh, meanwhile, has emerged as the club’s most reliable outfielder and recently earned his first All-Star selection after putting together a career-best season.
Beyond Marsh, however, Philadelphia has struggled to find consistent production in the outfield. Justin Crawford, Derek Hill and Gabriel Rincones Jr. have all seen significant playing time in recent weeks, but each has had difficulty making an impact. The situation has become even more challenging with Adolis Garcia sidelined for the remainder of the season because of a lat injury, leaving the Phillies with a major hole in the outfield.
If Philadelphia hopes to stay in second place and strengthen its postseason chances, upgrading the outfield appears to be the most pressing priority.
Jung Hoo Lee would be great for Phillies
Passan believes San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee is the best fit for the Phillies as they search for help in the outfield.
The 27-year-old is in his third MLB season after making the jump from Japan. Over his major league career, Lee has posted a .277/.327/.403 slash line with 15 home runs, 56 doubles, 15 triples and a .730 OPS.
While those career numbers are solid, 2026 has been his most productive season yet. At the midpoint of the campaign, Lee is hitting .302/.333/.429 with 21 doubles, five home runs, 46 runs scored, 33 RBIs and a .762 OPS.
That type of offensive production would be a welcome addition for a Phillies outfield that has struggled outside of Marsh. Lee is known for consistently putting the ball in play while rarely striking out, a profile that could complement Philadelphia’s lineup as the club looks to bolster its roster for the stretch run.
Lee could be multi-year answer in outfield for Phillies
Lee is currently in the third season of the six-year, $113 million contract he signed with San Francisco. With the Giants sitting at 41-55, in fourth place and 19.5 games out of first, moving Lee before the trade deadline could make sense if the organization chooses to reshape its roster.
The outfielder is still owed three years and $64 million beyond this season. While that is a significant financial commitment, the Phillies are expected to have roughly $70 million come off the payroll after the season, making the contract more manageable.
Philadelphia is expected to remain locked in a tight race with the Atlanta Braves atop the NL East, while the Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals remain within striking distance. To solidify a playoff position, the Phillies may need to be aggressive at the deadline, and adding a player like Lee could be one of the moves that strengthens their chances.