Phillies Weigh Power Against Prospects in Free-Agent Market

The Phillies have several needs after a season in which their .707 OPS ranked 22nd in MLB. Their outfielders posted a .686 OPS, while the team’s cleanup hitters recorded a .645 mark. New hitting coach Pete Fatse identified OPS as a straightforward measure of the offense’s shortcomings.

Randy Arozarena and Seiya Suzuki could address the lack of right-handed power. Arozarena, 32, hit .281 with 26 home runs and 26 steals for Seattle, finishing with an .865 OPS. Suzuki, also 32, hit .270 with 26 homers and an .841 OPS for Chicago. Both received qualifying offers, meaning a Phillies signing would involve draft-pick compensation.

The team’s financial and labor situation may complicate a major signing. Philadelphia carried baseball’s fourth-highest payroll this year and has about $239 million in luxury-tax commitments for 2027 before adding another high-priced player. A potential MLB lockout is expected to begin on December 2, and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has said he does not know what rules will apply.

There is also pressure to leave opportunities for younger players. Top prospect Aidan Miller, 22, missed nearly all of the season with a back condition but was healthy and productive in the Arizona Fall League. The Phillies also expect further growth from outfielder Justin Crawford during his second year in the majors and could seek a dependable defender or right-handed platoon partner for Brandon Marsh.

A long-term deal for an established hitter could strengthen the lineup, but the Phillies must weigh that against blocking prospects such as Miller and, eventually, shortstop Bryan Rincon. Another option is Japanese third baseman Teruaki Sato, whom the Phillies have scouted; his position in the majors remains uncertain. Ian Happ is also a free-agent possibility, though he is more productive batting left-handed.