The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to promote veteran outfielder to the major league roster, according to independent baseball reporter Mike Rodriguez and Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Gelb recently suggested that veteran star was in line for a promotion as the club continues to evaluate its roster ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline. After exercising the opt-out clause in his minor league contract, De La Cruz re-signed with Philadelphia on a major league deal, paving the way for his anticipated return to the big leagues. The Phillies have not yet announced the corresponding move to clear a spot on the 26-man roster.
Top star has earned the opportunity with a productive season at Triple-A, slashing .269/.358/.448 with 12 home runs and 56 RBIs across 84 games. He has also posted a 110 wRC+, a .316 batting average on balls in play, and an impressive 0.59 walk-to-strikeout ratio, highlighting improved plate discipline. Defensively, he has primarily played right field, making 55 appearances there while also logging six games in left. Although he has experience at all three outfield positions during his major league career, he has not appeared in center field since the 2023 season. According to Gelb, Philadelphia plans to use De La Cruz mainly against left-handed pitching.
Phillies Expected To Promote Bryan De La Cruz
What Move Could Follow?
Adding De La Cruz means the Phillies must make a corresponding roster decision. That could come in the form of an option to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, a designation for assignment, or an injured list placement.
One of the most likely scenarios involves the backup catcher position. Garrett Stubbs and Rafael Marchán are both out of minor league options, leaving the Phillies with a difficult choice. Stubbs has provided slightly more offensive production this season, making him the favorite to remain on the active roster. If the club decides to keep Stubbs, Marchán could become the odd man out and be designated for assignment.
What De La Cruz’s Promotion Means
The Phillies appear to be giving De La Cruz an opportunity to prove he deserves a spot on the roster beyond the trade deadline. However, the promotion could be temporary.
The timing is notable because veteran outfielder Tommy Pham reportedly has an opt-out clause in his minor league contract that becomes active on July 25. Calling up De La Cruz just days before that deadline could indicate the organization prefers to evaluate him instead of promoting Pham. Earlier this season, De La Cruz’s limited defensive flexibility may have cost him a roster spot, as Philadelphia opted to carry the more versatile Dylan Moore on its Opening Day bench. Since then, injuries and changing roster needs have altered that equation.
Bigger Outfield Changes Still Expected
While De La Cruz could provide a short-term boost, the Phillies are still expected to address their outfield before the Aug. 3 trade deadline. Carrying both De La Cruz and Pham as bench options long-term would leave the club with too little positional flexibility, making it unlikely that both remain on the roster after deadline moves are completed.
With this year’s trade deadline arriving relatively close to Sept. 1 roster expansion, Philadelphia has less time to bridge the gap with internal options. De La Cruz’s promotion appears to be part of a transitional period rather than the final answer. The Phillies are still widely expected to pursue a right-handed-hitting outfielder, making the addition of another bat one of president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski’s top priorities as the club gears up for the postseason race.