Philadelphia Phillies: 3 most obvious trade deadline needs emerging
By Tim Boyle
The Phillies need to search the center field market for some help.
Although Mickey Moniak could always save the Phillies in center field, it wouldn’t hurt to look at what else is out there. A good center fielder is hard to find. Bad teams typically don’t have very many good options on their rosters either.
A quick scan of some potential options includes available pieces like Enrique Hernandez of the Boston Red Sox or Kevin Kiermaier of the Tampa Bay Rays. Both are playing poorly to begin the year, which probably won’t excite too many Phillies fans at the prospect of adding either. However, it does mean each would come cheaply. The Rays are getting a whole lot more out of Manuel Margot anyway, making their far more highly-priced outfielder, Kiermaier, trade fodder.
The Phillies are trying to make it with starts in center field from Odubel Herrera and Roman Quinn. Matt Vierling didn’t work out at the position even though he had every opportunity early on this season to win the job.
The Phillies don’t need to acquire a superstar for the position. They just need someone competent. They need a guy that can hit .240 and play good defense. Otherwise, the hole at the position will probably remain, and the club will begin their search at the position yet again next winter. Keep your fingers crossed that Moniak turns out to be the answer.