Categories: Rumors

Phillies reportedly have ‘zero’ interest in Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. doesn’t appear likely to be a trade fit for the Phillies. (Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire)

You can cross one name off the list of potential Philadelphia Phillies targets in advance of the July 30 trade deadline.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, while the Miami Marlins are getting bites on CF/2B Jazz Chisholm Jr., none are coming from the Phillies. In fact, Nightengale writes that “the Phillies have zero interest in him.”

It’s not a particularly shocking development. While we wondered last month when the Marlins were in town whether Chisholm could be a fit for the Phillies, it always felt a bit clunky. He has played center field for the Marlins since the start of the 2023 season, but has -14 defensive runs saved there over that period and is probably best-suited at his natural position of second base. Additionally, Chisholm is a left-handed hitter, and the Phillies are really more in need of a righty, considering their lineup already includes Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Kyle Schwarber and Brandon Marsh.

Chisholm is a big personality, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but would have been something the Phillies would have had to consider before trading for the 26-year-old. It’s possible things didn’t even get to that point because the Phillies didn’t see the fit from an on-field sense.

Notably, Ken Rosenthal said earlier this week on Foul Territory that he doesn’t believe the Phillies will trade for center fielder Luis Robert of the Chicago White Sox. Robert is a right-handed hitter, one that, in theory, would represent an all-in move from president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski. But the price for him would likely be exorbitant, and Robert does have an injury history to consider.

The conclusion you’re left with from this week is that the Phillies might want to keep Johan Rojas’ world-class glove in the picture. One way to do that would be to acquire a right-handed hitting left fielder with pop. Brent Rooker of the Oakland Athletics — a DH with 30 home run power who can play left field but has clear limitations defensively — could fit that bill. He could be the starter in left field on most days, with either Rojas or Brandon Marsh in center field. Late in games, Marsh would shift to left field with Rojas in center field as the Phillies try to optimize their defense.