Phillies outfielder Marlon Byrd is the most coveted player on the Philadelphia roster. Should he be traded, Byrd could signal a much-needed makeover for the franchise.
It may take a Byrd to leave the coop in order for the Philadelphia Phillies to do what many of their fans felt should have been done at least two years ago: rebuild.
OF Marlon Byrd is currently the most coveted player on the Phillies’ roster and comes off a .265-25-85 season at age 37. He also has a very friendly $8 million contract for next season and will make $8 million in 2016 if he makes 463 plate appearances in 2015. Byrd is also regarded a solid defender in right field, which will make him even more attractive for teams starved for outfield production like the Boston Red Sox.
If Byrd is moved, the door could swing wide open for the Phillies to begin cutting ties with much of the remaining players from the 2007-2011 run that saw the franchise win five straight National League East titles, two National League crowns and the 2008 World Series championship. Chief among them would be pitcher Cole Hamels, whose contract ($90 million over four years) makes him a more appealing option than free agent hurlers Jon Lester and Max Scherzer.
Closer Jonathan Papelbon and the longtime shortstop Jimmy Rollins will also draw a considerable share of attention. Papelbon’s value could rise once closer Greg Robertson decides on whether to return to the New York Yankees or head on elsewhere. Rollins is still productive at age 35 and may be an intriguing choice for the Yankees as they begin life without Derek Jeter for the first time since 1995.
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