Philadelphia Phillies fans should be bracing themselves for another season of outfield disappointment. The team's roster, set to take the field in Opening Day, is a concerning mix of unproven rookies and players with questionable defensive skills.
Justin Crawford, a rookie without any notable power, Brandon Marsh, who struggles against left-handed batters, and Adolis García, whose career on-base percentage lags behind .300, are expected to fill out the outfield. If an injury strikes, Otto Kemp is ready to step in, but his own batting average of just .234 from last year doesn't inspire confidence.
The decision to let go of Nick Castellanos, a defensively-challenged outfielder with a hefty price tag, and sign Harrison Bader on a relatively modest $22 million contract suggests that the Phillies are not prioritizing their outfield. Even more astonishing is how little money they're expected to spend in this area – a mere $35.2 million compared to the Yankees' $50 million.
The Phillies have made some questionable moves when it comes to outfield players. They've drafted 68 outfielders since 2012, only to find that just seven of them will likely be remembered by fans. This trend includes notable misses like Mickey Moniak and Johan Rojas.
In recent years, the Phillies have not been able to replicate their 2009 success when three outfielders were All-Stars. The team's WAR (Wins Above Replacement) for outfielders in each season since that year is underwhelming. In 2019, Bryce Harper carried the outfield to a top-11 rating, but he's now playing first base.
The outlook for Crawford and Dante Nori, this year's first-round picks with high expectations, will be closely watched by fans. While they may have a chance to shake off the weight of organizational failure, there's still pressure on them to deliver results.
Justin Crawford, a rookie without any notable power, Brandon Marsh, who struggles against left-handed batters, and Adolis García, whose career on-base percentage lags behind .300, are expected to fill out the outfield. If an injury strikes, Otto Kemp is ready to step in, but his own batting average of just .234 from last year doesn't inspire confidence.
The decision to let go of Nick Castellanos, a defensively-challenged outfielder with a hefty price tag, and sign Harrison Bader on a relatively modest $22 million contract suggests that the Phillies are not prioritizing their outfield. Even more astonishing is how little money they're expected to spend in this area – a mere $35.2 million compared to the Yankees' $50 million.
The Phillies have made some questionable moves when it comes to outfield players. They've drafted 68 outfielders since 2012, only to find that just seven of them will likely be remembered by fans. This trend includes notable misses like Mickey Moniak and Johan Rojas.
In recent years, the Phillies have not been able to replicate their 2009 success when three outfielders were All-Stars. The team's WAR (Wins Above Replacement) for outfielders in each season since that year is underwhelming. In 2019, Bryce Harper carried the outfield to a top-11 rating, but he's now playing first base.
The outlook for Crawford and Dante Nori, this year's first-round picks with high expectations, will be closely watched by fans. While they may have a chance to shake off the weight of organizational failure, there's still pressure on them to deliver results.
I'm gettin' a bad feel about this Philly outfield 
with all these unproven rookies and defense-challenged players... 
They gotta be more aggressive with their spending if they wanna compete 
. 68 outfielders drafted since 2012 and only 7 are still in the game? 
That's some wild math 
. And what's up with Nick Castellanos being let go for a pricey contract when Harrison Bader is on the cheap? 
I'm worried about Crawford and Nori, they gotta step up if they wanna save this team 
." The Phillies' outfield woes seem to follow the same pattern as their predecessors – making questionable moves that don't pay off in the long run. Can Crawford and Nori break this curse? Only time will tell... 
. And don't even get me started on Otto Kemp's batting average... 
.
. Maybe it's time for them to change their approach?
The lack of spending on defense and power is alarming, especially considering the Yankees' significant investment. It feels like they're throwing their hands up and hoping Crawford and Nori will magically solve all their problems 
. I mean, 68 drafted outfielders that only 7 will make it to remember... that's a lot of failure 
. The Phillies need to prioritize defense if they want to take down the likes of Atlanta and NYY. This season is gonna be tough for them 
when that outfield struggles again. The lack of investment in defensive skills is super sus 
and I'm also kinda low-key surprised they didn't go after a proven guy this offseason. A $22 million contract for Harrison Bader doesn't scream "game-changer" to me 
️. On a related note, I was thinking, what's up with all these guys they draft and only 7 end up making it? It's like they're trying to find a needle in a haystack 
. Maybe the Phillies should just stick to drafting pitchers or something 
. The fact that Crawford and Nori are being heavily scrutinized might actually work in their favor – it'll be interesting to see if they can shake off the label of organizational failure and step up 
and then sign Bader for only $22 million? That just doesn't add up to me. And don't even get me started on Crawford & Nori, those kids are under a lot of pressure 
like what happened 2 nick castellanos?? didnt they learn from that experience? 
can't wait 2 see if they live up 2 the hype 
.
but the phillies history with outfielders is kinda sketchy... 68 drafted since 2012 and only 7 making it? that's a pretty bad track record 
... fingers crossed they can turn it around for philly