Philadelphia Phillies: Projecting the Opening Day 26 man roster

Who will win the Philadelphia Phillies center field job?

Left Field: Andrew McCutchen

Andrew McCutchen returns for his third season with the Phillies yet to play a majority of the year. After a hot start to his 2019 campaign, the former MVP tore his ACL, but he was able to recover and play 57 of the 60 games in 2020.

McCutchen has proven to be a valuable piece in the Phillies lineup and projects to be their lead-off hitter once again. He’s hit .255 as the Phillies lead-off hitter over two seasons with 19 home runs in that role.

This season may be McCutchen’s final with the Phillies given his $15 million club option for his age 35 season and the sudden emergence of prospect Mickey Moniak this spring. However, if McCutchen continues to produce out of the leadoff spot, he could buy himself another year in Philadelphia or another deal elsewhere in the league.

Center Field: Odubel Herrera

The center field job was Philadelphia’s only open role among the starting eight fielders and to much of the fanbase’s surprise, Odubel Herrera has clearly won the job.

Herrera hasn’t played in the major leagues since May 26, 2019 due to a domestic violence suspension. He was removed from the 40-man roster and many wrote him out of the Phillies’ long-term plans.

In 11 games Herrera has eight hits with three home runs and has played above-average defense in the outfield. With Scott Kingery struggling, Adam Haseley injured, and Roman Quinn largely falling out of favor with the organization, the job appears to be Herrera’s for the time being.

Right Field: Bryce Harper

The former National League MVP returns to the Phillies for season three of his 13-year contract, looking for his first playoff game in red pinstripes. Now recovered from a back injury and rejuvenated by ownership’s commitment to winning, Harper enters this season as an MVP candidate who could carry the Phillies into October.