Philadelphia Phillies: 3 early trade deadline predictions

3. Phillies trade deadline prediction: A slick-fielding center fielder joins the roster.

There is a hole in center field at Citizen’s Bank Ballpark. This isn’t some sort of feature on the field like the old hill in Houston. This is one created by a lack of attention to the position.

The Phillies didn’t do anything to improve this spot in the offseason. Other than signing free agent Starling Marte, who ended up with the New York Mets as a right fielder, there wasn’t much they could have done without reaching for a trade. Odubel Herrera has been his usual self this year while Matt Vierling failed to capture at-bats when he was given the chance. Mickey Moniak remains a huge question as well.

Philadelphia doesn’t need to overpay for offense. They get plenty of that from the corner spots. What they could use is a Gold Glove-caliber player capable of hitting for average. As I wrote recently, Michael A. Taylor of the Kansas City Royals fits this need.

Taylor also happens to be signed through next year for a modest $4.5 million. He would actually be a welcomed addition to a Phillies club where clobbering home runs seems to be the focus. Taylor can put the ball in play and reach base—something not many other members of this team can do. It would also answer a question for them next year as to who plays the position. There hasn’t been a long-term option there since the days of Shane Victorino.

Nothing about Taylor is permanent. He is already past 30 but having a good year and matching up perfectly for what the Phillies should and I am predicting will trade in the next few weeks.