Phillies rumors: 5 trade targets Dave Dombrowski should keep an eye on

5) Phillies rumors: Michael A. Taylor is the trade target to revisit

Before acquiring Brandon Marsh from the Los Angeles Angels, Michael A. Taylor was the one who made the most sense. The veteran center fielder plays strong defense and has shown he can hit decently. Purely for some outfield depth and not so much his bat, Taylor is a guy the Phillies should have in mind.

The Soto trade with the Tigers created a hole on the Phillies bench. Matt Vierling is no longer there to platoon with Marsh in center field. The pressure is on Marsh to be more than a lefty hitter who starts against righty pitchers. He needs to play every day. But what if that doesn’t work?

The center field market is a barren one except for maybe Taylor who won a Gold Glove at the position in 2021. He’s the kind of player affordable depth piece the Phillies can acquire without giving up a whole lot. He is owed $4.5 million this year and a free agent once the season is over. Kansas City isn’t expect to do a whole lot in the standings, immediately making him someone Dombrowski should check in on every once in a while.

Unlike some of the other names on this list, Taylor won’t be a boost to the offense. He’s more glove, a little legs, and mostly for an alternative option. He’s much different than many of the other starters on the Phillies. It might make him one of the better matches if they find something different is needed.