The Philadelphia Phillies have won 10 of their last 13 games, showing signs that they’re finally hitting their stride and reminding everyone of their potential. While the team isn’t without flaws, their overall roster strength, particularly when compared to others, remains one of the most complete in the league, regardless of opinions on Dave Dombrowski’s front office moves.
With a top-tier starting rotation and a powerful, experienced lineup, the Phillies are firmly in the National League contender mix. Still, some vulnerabilities remain, notably in fields that could become issues if left unaddressed, especially considering the team’s recent postseason shortcomings.
Brandon Marsh was given a shot to take over the centerfield role full-time this year, but he’s struggled, hitting just .193/.288/.298 with one home run across 57 at-bats and 23 games, along with 19 strikeouts. While the Phillies are on the rise, Marsh’s current form makes him a potential long-term liability, and if things don’t improve soon, he may be replaced by the trade deadline.
Marsh’s profile hasn’t changed much: a left-handed hitter with raw power and a tendency to strike out. He still hits the ball hard when he connects, and his expected slugging (.334) suggests some bad luck, but an inconsistent approach and a recent hamstring injury have slowed him down. Internal options like Johan Rojas, who’s also underwhelming at the plate, don’t offer clear upgrades, so Dombrowski might have to look outside the organization.
That said, there are in-house possibilities. Weston Wilson has looked good in limited at-bats, and Edmundo Sosa, who continues to produce when given chances, could force his way into the outfield mix. Some fans have even fantasized about a bold move like shifting Trea Turner to center to make room for Sosa in the infield.
Marsh has shown some signs of life recently, going 4-for-8 with a pair of doubles and a couple of RBIs over his last two games. While it remains to be seen whether he can ever hit left-handed pitching effectively, he still offers value with his speed and defense. The Phillies seem committed to giving him time, but if his bat goes cold again, don’t be surprised if they aggressively seek a replacement, potentially echoing the kind of deal that brought in a player like Austin Hays.
Would you like a visual comparison of Marsh’s performance metrics versus other centerfield options?
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