Philadelphia Phillies: Has Odubel Herrera already won the starting CF gig?

The main storyline that everyone was following this spring when it came to the Philadelphia Phillies, the battle for center field hasn’t really been as exciting as initially projected. Adam Haseley got injured, Scott Kingery and Roman Quinn have struggled, and Mickey Moniak hasn’t gotten a serious look quite yet.

Then there’s Odubel Herrera.

The one player who pretty much everyone in Philadelphia didn’t want to excel this offseason, Herrera is the only CF who’s really made a serious push for the Opening Day job down in Clearwater. Moniak’s lack of playing time and Haseley’s injury aside, Herrera has thoroughly outplayed the likes of Kingery and Quinn.

This begs the question – has Herrera already won the gig? According to The Good Phight’s Ethan Witte, the answer is yes:

"More from Section 2154 Eagles on the Bubble Who Have Clinched Their 53-Man Roster SpotsBest Pennsylvania Sportsbook Promos: Win $650 GUARANTEED Bonus PLUS $100 off NFL Sunday Ticket3 Punters the Eagles Must Target to Replace Arryn SipossCowboys Trey Lance Trade Proves How Screwed They Are With Dak PrescottDevon Allen Took Britain Covey’s Job on EaglesThere is no more reason to continue discussing the competition for the starting center fielder’s job as if it is up for grabs. With the early injury to Adam Haseley, the strange nonplaying of Mickey Moniak and the poor play of Scott Kingery, the job has been won. Sure, Joe Girardi will continue saying that it’s still anyone’s job to lose, but let’s not kid ourselves.Odubel Herrera is more than likely going to be the starting center fielder on Opening Day.Now, if we are basing that decision purely on baseball acumen, then yes, Herrera has won the job with his play on the field. Through Monday’s game, in 23 plate appearance, Herrera has slashed .261/.261/.522 with two home runs and two RBI. His lack of desire to take a walk is a problem, but the team wasn’t really counting on the center field position to be a bastion of offense anyway. Providing that pop would be something that makes the lineup even deeper than it already projects to be. His play in the outfield has, from all accounts, not hurt his chances of making the team as he’s made the plays he’s needed to plus a little extra. He was given the opportunity to win the job by being a non-roster invitee, seized that chance and run with it. Again, basing it purely on his play between the lines, Herrera has earned the job."

As much as this may (rightfully) upset some individuals, I’d have to agree with Ethan from a baseball perspective. The controversial outfielder launched another HR on Wednesday, taking his total up to three and his OPS up to an impressive .885. If you would’ve told Joe Girardi and the Philadelphia Phillies that they’d be able to use a CF with an OPS in the .800s this season, they would’ve signed up for that without question.

Has Odubel already won the Philadelphia Phillies Opening Day CF job?

Now for what it’s worth, Herrera starting off the season as the Opening Day CF might not mean a whole lot in the grand scheme of things. Haseley will likely be given a serious chance to win the job back once he’s 100% healthy, which could ultimately spell the end of Herrera’s time with the Phillies.

There’s also still some Spring Training action left to be played. Quinn or Kingery could have an exceptional final two weeks down in Florida, and fingers crossed that Moniak starts to see more action at the position as well.

Regardless, it does feel like Herrera is the frontrunner out in center, at least for the time being.