5 Phillies who won’t be on the Opening Day roster but will have an impact in 2023
By Tim Boyle
2) Phillies minor league addition Jake Cave will have an impact in 2023
The Phillies added veteran outfielder Jake Cave from the waiver wire this offseason. He spent parts of the last five years with the Minnesota Twins, batting .235/.297/.411. The Baltimore Orioles claimed him in October but when he became available again in December, the Phillies snatched him up.
The left-handed hitting veteran does have a minor league option left which is perfect for the Phillies. He’s the kind of guy to promote when they need a long-term starter. Dalton Guthrie, on the other hand, could fit in much nicer as a backup player on the Opening Day roster.
Already 30, Cave is one of those outfielders who has transitioned away from playing center field as frequently as he used to. He can be found at a corner outfield spot much more regularly. Consider him some Castellanos and Schwarber insurance.
Claiming Cave won’t help the Phillies win a championship, but he does give them a cavalry member riding a stallion. The more recent addition of Josh Harrison to the organization changed the way we should view their infield depth. Cave isn’t quite at his level, however, he’s not much further down.
Cave should find at-bats at some point with the Phillies this season. He has decent major league pop and enough experience to feel satisfied if he must start for two weeks at a time.