Time For A Change
I try to be as positive in my writing and analysis as possible. With that said Max Kepler has not been it in left field. It has been a rough go of it for Kepler to say the least.
This season he has put up: .207 avg, .372 slg, .305 obp, 11 hrs, and 32 rbis. Not only has he been terrible, he even had the nerve to complain about his usage in left field.
Media reports suggest the Phillies are leaning bullpen at the deadline (which is an obvious need), but I believe left-field also needs to be addressed. What options do the Phillies have for left?
Options
1. Shuffle
Start Kepler Always
Starting Kepler has been the main option most of the year. Although he often sits against lefties if you asked Thomson he would probably say Kepler is the starting left fielder. IMO this cannot continue and I would be very concerned if they settle with Kepler in left for the rest of the season.
Start Kemp Against Lefties, Kepler Righties
The injury to Bohm has allowed Kemp to play his natural position at third. Topper was using him all over which is a tough ask for a rookie in his first stint. Although he is not an outfielder I think Kemp should be getting a look to start in LF against lefties. His numbers aren’t amazing but he has provided a certain spark in the line up. Kepler is probably the better fielder and Kemp could struggle as an outfielder which makes this option less than ideal.
Start Kemp Always
This option would fall under “we are tired of Kepler, but couldn’t do anything at the deadline to address the position”. I don’t think there is any harm to try Kemp in left for a few games in a row and see how it goes. However, this cannot and should not be the long term solution. But not sure it can get worse than what we’ve been getting from Kepler.
Marsh Left, Rojas Center
Last season we often saw Marsh in LF. I, like many others, believe Marsh is better suited as a left fielder. If Kepler continues to falter we could see a switch of Marsh to left which would allow Rojas to see more time in CF. Kepler would most likely be DFA’d to move Marsh to left. The issue with this move is that it doesn’t really address a need. It may give you more stability with a consistent starting line-up, but this team is too good to rely on a player like Rojas to provide offense.
2. Trade
Another option is to acquire an outfielder at the deadline is via trade. The Phillies do have some flexibility in the sense they can trade for either a LF or CF. If the trade for a LF, DFA Kepler no worries. If Marsh is not included in the trade and you get a CF, scoot him to left. Easy. Luis Robert Jr. and Jarren Duran are two names most often rumored to the City of Brotherly Love. Honestly not 100% sure I see either of these guys on the move. I think a few coveted outfielders will be available and the price is going to be high. Luis Robert has had a little bit of a down season so his value could be lower, but I expect the White Sox to have a hefty asking price.
My ideal trade would be to acquire Steven Kwan and Emmanuel Clase from the Cleveland Guardians.
3. Call-Ups
Assuming the Phillies are waiting for the deadline to play out to call up prospect Justin Crawford, he is the next best option if the team doesn’t make a trade. Once again this option probably starts with Kepler being removed from the team. Marsh may move to left for Crawford to play center, but Crawford can also play left field. In a way, this is the most exciting option. The Phillies drafted Crawford not long ago in 2022. He has been crushing the minors, with a standout .329 average. If he comes up and produces, what a story it would be.
I also get it is tricky because you want to protect him for many reasons. Not MLB ready, play him and he doesn’t perform, etc. But I would have liked to see Crawford get some MLB playing time before the deadline. It would have helped the Phillies see how big of an outfield need they have. Now if they don’t make a trade and Crawford isn’t ready, they are stuck with an inadequate outfield for the playoffs. The Phillies have two obvious needs in the bullpen and an outfield bat, Dombrowski needs to make multiple moves and address the issue in left.
Photo Credit: April Gamiz/The Morning Call
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