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Philadelphia Phillies: Five players to reunite with Dave Dombrowski

By George Stockburger

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 15: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates a victory after the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays with teammate Christian Vazquez #7 at Fenway Park on April 15, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. All players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The Red Sox won 5-3. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 15: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates a victory after the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays with teammate Christian Vazquez #7 at Fenway Park on April 15, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. All players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The Red Sox won 5-3. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 25: Jackie Bradley Jr. #19 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning of an MLB game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on September 25, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 25: Jackie Bradley Jr. #19 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning of an MLB game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on September 25, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

Could the Philadelphia Phillies use an upgrade in center field?

Centerfield has been a revolving door for the Phillies since Shane Victorino was traded to the Dodgers in 2012. They’ve tried to replace him with Ben Revere, Roman Quinn, Odubel Herrera, and other misfits who had a variety of issues.

The Phillies have continued to run out Adam Haseley and Roman Quinn, but their production has been skewed. Quinn has fans in the organization who love his speed and defense, but he’s an injury liability and has been for almost 10 years. In 85 games over the last two years he’s hit .213 with 14 extra-base hits. He’s proven to be nothing more than a fourth outfielder and speed off the bench.

Haseley, a former first-round pick, has shown more offensive potential with a career .269 batting average in 107 games. He’ll be 25 next April and could realistically be their starting center fielder on opening day if he has a good spring training.

Last year the team platooned Haseley and Quinn, but at this point in their careers, the organization either has to pick between the two or find a new player.

Related Story. Could Phillies sign Jackie Bradley Jr.?. light

If the organization is ready to move on from Quinn and Haseley, Dombrowski is very familiar with Jackie Bradley Jr. A former first round pick who turns 31 next season, Bradley Jr. had a good 2020 season, hitting .283 with seven home runs in 55 games.

His career .236 batting average prior to last season is very concerning, but he’s got some pop, can play defense, and has won a World Series with Dombrowski in Boston.

You could compare Haseley and Bradley Jr.’s career averages and argue they stack up similarly, but Bradley Jr. has the experience and a better glove.

It might come down to whether Philadelphia can get Realmuto or not. Spotrac projects Bradley Jr. to get $11 million per year and he’s likely to get a three-year deal. You could save that money for Realmuto and pay Haseley $575,000 next year, or go with the experienced left-handed bat who will hit sixth or seventh.

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