While the Philadelphia Phillies are back in control of the National League East, there are many areas of needed improvement. There is a bit of time for Philly to search for these needed improvements with a 1.5 game cushion over the New York Mets and an astounding 8.5 game lead over the struggling Atlanta Braves. With this in mind, the Phillies are talented enough to take their time finding the right upgrades that will help the team take a meaningful step forward.
One position in particular that the team is going to consider an upgrade for is in the outfield. Both Brandon Marsh and Max Kepler have had underwhelming results to start the 2025 season. Kepler can be pointed to as a player who should be playing for his job in the next weeks of the season. Hitting .228 and failing in clutch situations has given the organization reason to move past the current starter. Kepler's contract is just a one-year deal that gives the team easy ability to move on or bench the veteran.
Phillies Outfielder Max Kepler's Starting Role in Jeopardy
A more likely scenario for the Phillies might be benching the veteran and looking to the trade market to add a more talented offensive option. Philly could opt to platoon Marsh and Kepler, hoping that one is able to get out of the early-season slump. Marsh has shown signs of life since returning from an early-season injury.
However, the offensive production hasn't been enough from either player to reach the heights the Phillies hope to reach. If you're going to compete with the Dodgers and the top of the National League playoff field, it is going to take clear improvements.
Adding to the bullpen and outfield are the most obvious ways the team must take a step forward. With a number of teams already falling out of the postseason race, there is no shortage of potential upgrades over Max Kepler. If the veteran continues to struggle at his current level, the franchise needs to make the difficult decision to call the contract a lost cause and either trade or bench the veteran.
Jarren Duran, Taylor Ward, and Brent Rooker all stand out as possible additions who could benefit from joining a talented Philly lineup. No matter who they choose, the Phillies are going to need to be aggressive and find an answer capable of making a more consistent offensive impact.