Looking At the Phillies Key Offensive Additions
The Phillies offseason has been underwhelming and while the narrative has been that they are running the same team back again, there will be some changes.
Still, by seeing the Mets so active, including signing Bo Bichette away from the Phillies, while also making some key trades, this offseason has been a downer for Phillies fans.
Two things.
The offseason isn’t over yet, although one has to think the Phillies have done most of the heavy lifting.
One new addition is outfielder Adolis Garcia who was signed to a one-year, $10 million free agent deal.
Garcia, who turns 33 in March, was a major factor in the Texas Rangers winning the 2023 World Series.
That season he batted .245 with 39 home runs and 107 RBI. He made his second all-star team that year and also won a Gold Glove.
In the playoffs he hit .322 with eight home runs and 22 RBI and was named the ALCS MVP.
After that he had two subpar seasons with the Rangers.
Over the past two years his slash line was .225/.278/.397. He averaged 22 home runs and 80 RBI the past two years, but also struck out 312 times and walked just 78.
Garcia is a plus fielder with a cannon for an arm and will be a massive defensive upgrade in rightfield over Nick Castellanos.
If the Phillies get anything near his 2023 production, it would be a massive addition, but after two down seasons, it’s anybody’s guess if Garcia will respond to a change in scenery.
One addition who further boosts the outfield is Justin Crawford, the former first round draft pick, who batted .334 in 506 plate appearances last year for Triple A Lehigh Valley.
The Phillies have to get younger, not only to have a few cheaper salaries, but also to help what is becoming an aging ball club.
Crawford, who just turned 22, is a career .322 hitter in four minor league seasons. He has a career .385 on base percentage.
These are the traits that the free-swinging Phillies need.
In addition, 2023 first round draft choice Aidan Miller’s arrival is apparently right around the corner. He may not break camp with the Phillies, but it would not be surprising if he is contributing sometime this season.
Miller, who turns 22 in June, is currently playing shortstop, but with Trea Turner entrenched there, the Phillies could move Miller to third base, or even left field.
Either way, he spent most of the season in Double-A last year, but got a taste of Triple-A at the end of the year.
He is considered another future starter and potential quality performer.
The Phillies could still make more moves, but how Crawford and Garcia perform, will help determine whether they could be a high-end playoff team.
If the Phillies receive anything from Miller this year it could be considered a bonus, but there is no doubt, he and Crawford are a needed presence to a lineup that could use an infusion of youth.
Adolis Garcia / Courtesy of Phillies Twitter/X
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Author: Marc Narducci
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