Despite a season filled with success, the Philadelphia Phillies have a glaring issue: center field production. Johan Rojas, who initially secured the starting role, struggled and was eventually sent down to Triple-A. Cristian Pache, another option, has yet to prove himself as a reliable major league starter. Brandon Marsh, while suitable as a platoon left fielder, doesn’t seem to be the preferred choice for center field.
However, there may be a solution on the horizon. Insider Craig Mish of The Miami Herald reports that the Miami Marlins are likely to trade their dynamic center fielder, Jazz Chisholm. Levi Weaver of The Athletic has suggested that the Phillies should aggressively pursue Chisholm.
Chisholm, 26, is under team control for 2.5 more years and offers a potent combination of power and speed, averaging 26 home runs and 32 steals per 162 games over his five-year career. However, he has faced challenges with injuries and has had conflicts with some veteran players in Miami’s clubhouse.
Weaver highlights Phillies general manager Dave Dombrowski’s track record of acquiring key role players who excel in the postseason. Although Chisholm made the 2022 National League All-Star team as a second baseman, he has transitioned to center field, where he has improved his defense. In 2023, he was worth four outs above average, placing him in the 87th percentile among defenders, though his performance has dropped to the 55th percentile this season.
The Phillies now face a crucial decision: Should they stick with their current roster, possibly making minor bullpen adjustments, or should they take a risk and bring in Chisholm, who has the potential to be a game-changer both on the field and in the clubhouse?
This decision is pivotal, as it could shape the foundation for a championship run.
