Section 215
Fansided

3 Outfielders Phillies Must Pursue to Begin Free Agency

After getting inconsistent production from center and left field this past season, the Phillies should consider pursuing these players in free agency.

By Jovan Alford

Oct 9, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres outfielder Jurickson Profar (10) singles in the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park.
Oct 9, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres outfielder Jurickson Profar (10) singles in the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. / Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next

With the Los Angeles Dodgers defeating the New York Yankees in five games to win the 2024 World Series, all 30 MLB teams are gearing up for free agency and next month's winter meetings in Dallas, TX.

After a quick and disappointing end to the MLB playoffs, the Phillies could make some changes to their lineup or bullpen. Many fans want the team to go after star slugger Juan Soto, but they will have competition from other contenders for his services. 

Therefore, the Phillies’ front office must have contingency plans for the outfield after getting inconsistent production out of center and left field. Below, we’ll highlight three options Philadelphia should pursue to begin free agency.

1. Jurickson Profar, LF

If the Phillies are not looking to break the bank at left field this offseason, Jurickson Profar could be a solid option for a team that needs contact hitters.

Profar is coming off an outstanding 2024 season with the San Diego Padres, hitting .280 with 24 home runs and 80 RBI. He also had 29 doubles in 158 games played. 

It was a complete 360-degree change from how the veteran outfielder played in 2023 with the Colorado Rockies. During that season, Profar slashed .236/.316/.364 with eight home runs and 39 RBI in 111 games.

The Rockies eventually released Profar late in the summer of that season and he re-joined San Diego. The 31-year-old outfielder made his first All-Star game this season and could command a healthy market in free agency.

Spotrac projects Profar’s calculated market value as a two-year, $25.8 million with an average annual salary of $12.9 million. The veteran outfielder will likely get a little bit more in free agency and if you are the Phillies they need to be in on him.

Profar’s HR percentage went from 1.7 to 3.6, while his strikeout rate decreased from 17.3 to 15.1 The All-Star outfielder also saw his base-on-ball percentage increase from 9.6 to 11.1 and had a 44.4 hard hit rate.

Even though his defense is nothing to write home about, Profar is a good switch hitter who crushed left-handed pitching this season (.300). Meanwhile, the Phillies saw Brandon Marsh struggle against lefties in the regular season (.192 at the plate) and it continued in the postseason.

Home/Philadelphia Phillies