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
2 of 3
Next

2. Tyler O’Neill, LF

With the Boston Red Sox having a lot of talent in their outfield heading into next season, they can comfortably let O’Neill hit free agency.

The veteran slugger joined the Red Sox this past season after spending the first six years of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals. Last December, O’Neill was traded to the Red Sox from the Cardinals in exchange for Nick Robertson and Victor Santos.

O’Neill was a good addition to the Sox’s outfield as he brought some pop. After having his 2022 and ‘23 seasons derailed by injuries, the veteran slugger bounced back with 31 home runs and 61 RBI in 2024 (111 games).

The right-handed power hitter dealt with some injuries this past season but still slugged .241 at the plate – an improvement from his final two years with the Cardinals. O’Neill produced a .305 BAbip and a spectacular 6.6 home run percentage. 

However, his strikeout percentage was a stark 33.6, which will not excite Phillies fans. O’Neil also had a .969 fielding percentage in left field and a .938 fielding percentage in right. 

Would the Phils consider a trade-off of defense for power in the outfield? It’s possible, especially if the former Red Sox outfielder is open to a platoon situation. 

Spotrac projects O’Neill’s calculated market value as a three-year, $48.6 million contract with an average annual salary of $16.2 million. O’Neill would be more expensive than Profar, but he’s a couple of years younger, which could benefit him.

Home/Philadelphia Phillies