Fansided

MLB rumors: 5 players the Phillies need to trade for

By Baasil Ebrahim

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 05: Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) on the field between innings during a MLB game between the Washington Nationals and the Chicago White Sox on June 05, 2019, at Nationals Park, in Washington DC.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 05: Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) on the field between innings during a MLB game between the Washington Nationals and the Chicago White Sox on June 05, 2019, at Nationals Park, in Washington DC.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
BALTIMORE, MD – JUNE 02: Kevin Pillar #1 of the San Francisco Giants at bat during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 2, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – JUNE 02: Kevin Pillar #1 of the San Francisco Giants at bat during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 2, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

2. Kevin Pillar

Andrew McCutchen just tore his ACL and Jay Bruce is a corner outfielder. That essentially leaves Odubel Herrera as the Phillies center fielder, but he is a major offensive liability. Kevin Pillar is no offensive star, but there is a possibility for him to platoon with Herrera, as Herrera is a left-handed hitter, if Herrera is able to return from his administrative leave.

Until then, Pillar will be able to play a solid center field defensively and hit at a similar rate to that of Herrera’s. This trade does not so much as supplement what the Phillies have as it fills a need. The Phillies have a very clear hole in center field and Pillar can solve the problem. Pillar should be able to maximize the small dimensions of Citizens Bank Park to increase his offensive statistics, as well as cover up any range issues that he has developed over time.

Given that the rest of the Phillies lineup is filled with top offensive talent, Pillar won’t be asked to do much offensively. That is the perfect situation for him, especially if Herrera returns. Over the last three seasons, Pillar hit .284 against lefties and .249 against righties and would be maximized in a platoon role for the Phillies.

Home/Philadelphia Phillies