Philadelphia Phillies: 3 starters to make part-timers after the trade deadline

3) Phillies center field Odubel Herrera could be a part-time player after the trade deadline

The most necessary change of all to the lineup would be to excuse Odubel Herrera completely from the team. The team could demote Bohm and they are very unlikely to cut ties with Gregorius because of the money they’d have to pay.

Herrera, on the other hand, is on a much cheaper deal. Nobody’s favorite center field option for the Phillies this season, the team unwisely brought him back and have gotten much of the same results.

The center field market is so shallow that if it was a soup you’d wonder why you just have a bunch of dry noodles in a bowl. There is one guy out there the Phillies could conceivably acquire and not cost them a whole lot. Michael A. Taylor of the Kansas City Royals would be the guy.

As much as Phillies fans would get pumped to see Andrew Benintendi come over, Taylor is the far greater fit to play center field for this club. That’s not to completely dismiss Benintendi entirely. It’s just not as realistic given how many suitors he’ll have and how little the Phillies can offer in trades.

One way or another, the Phillies need to upgrade center field over Herrera. A part-time role would suit him better. Designating him for assignment wouldn’t even be a step too far.