Categories: Rumors

Phillies reportedly in the market for a left-handed hitting outfielder

Dave Dombrowski is the president of baseball operations for the Phillies. (Cheryl Pursell)

With camp rosters expected to be finalized within the next few days, the Phillies are still scouring the market for outfield help.

They are looking for a left-handed hitting outfielder, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

The Phillies previously had interest in adding a left-handed hitting outfielder in the offseason. Former All-Star David Dahl was in big league camp with the Phillies on a minor league contract and is not on the 40-man roster. He will begin the season in Lehigh Valley.

The Phillies would probably prefer to add someone that can be sent to the minors. Matt Gelb of The Athletic reported Saturday night that there are “indications this weekend that the Phillies could carry both Johan Rojas and Cristian Pache on the Opening Day roster — leaving Jake Cave in limbo.”

If a new addition does not have minor league options remaining, both Pache and Cave will either be traded or designated for assignment. Both could pass through waivers and remain in the organization, but it’s hard to see a scenario where both clear. Half of Cave’s $1 million salary for 2024 is guaranteed, so that could deter some teams from putting in a waiver claim for him.

Pache and Cave have been battling this spring for the last spot on the Phillies bench. Cave is hitting .324 with a .747 OPS in 37 at-bats while Pache is hitting .286 with an .856 OPS in 35 at-bats.

With veterans in other camps opting out of their minor league deals and teams needing to clear space on their 40-man roster, now is the time for the Phillies to search for upgrades.