Phillies rumors: Final 3 free agents Dave Dombrowski should sign

3) The Phillies can solidify the bench with free agent Rafael Ortega

Players like Matt Vierling and Nick Maton have a chance to be on the Phillies bench to begin the season. While acceptable choices, Philadelphia could get more from free agent Rafael Ortega.

This isn’t a name discussed much at all this offseason, mostly because he’s a guy who has had some long gaps in between regular MLB playing time. This did change during the last two seasons when he appeared in 221 games for the Chicago Cubs. Ortega slashed .265/.344/.408 with 18 home runs in those 701 plate appearances. He stole 12 bases in each season while appearing in center field more than any other position.

Ortega could be someone to take a roster spot from either Vierling or Maton. On a cheap deal, which is the best Ortega can hope for, the Phillies can have him on the DFA bubble early on. He won’t be too costly even if he doesn’t make it through the season on the roster.

How the Phillies address the absence of Bryce Harper to begin the year will be important. Darick Hall is a nice internal option for the DH spot, however, Ortega might be a better fit to give them something different. He can play center field and allow Brandon Marsh to move to left field and push Kyle Schwarber to DH duties. The defense improves. The offense might be just as good with Ortega over Hall or even Maton.

Ortega hits left-handed so it’s unlikely he’d get a roster spot over Vierling, a righty. Getting through the first few months without Harper will be key. Ortega is one of the most realistic and best fits out there for the Phillies to go out and get.