Coming off a disappointing 2025 campaign in which outfield production proved to be a major weakness, the Philadelphia Phillies are preparing to aggressively overhaul that unit in a single offseason. The organization appears determined not to let last year’s shortcomings linger, and early indications suggest multiple changes are already in motion as the club works to retool its roster for a return to contention.
One piece of the new-look outfield is essentially locked in. Highly regarded prospect Justin Crawford is widely expected to break camp as a starter on Opening Day, signaling the team’s confidence in his readiness to contribute at the major-league level.
In addition, Philadelphia is poised to bring in established power with Adolis García, who is projected to join the club on a contract worth roughly $10 million. That move alone would add much-needed pop and experience to an outfield that struggled to consistently impact games a season ago.
However, even with Crawford and García factored into the equation, the Phillies may not be finished shopping for outfield help. The front office appears open to the idea of further upgrades, particularly if the right opportunity presents itself via the trade market. While headline-grabbing free-agent pursuits for stars such as Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger seem unlikely due to cost or fit, Philadelphia could instead focus on more targeted, pragmatic additions.
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A trade for an outfielder—especially one on a short-term deal—could be an appealing route. Rentals often allow teams to boost their lineup without sacrificing long-term flexibility, and the Phillies may see this as a way to raise the overall ceiling of their roster while keeping future payroll concerns in check. Such a move would also provide insurance in case younger players struggle to adjust or veterans fail to bounce back.
That possibility gained traction following a report from Francys Romero of beisbolfr.com, who indicated that Philadelphia has expressed interest in a notable rental option. The player in question carries a $20 million salary and is only a few seasons removed from a massive power surge that included a 38-home-run campaign with a club in the American League Central. While his recent production has not matched that peak, the upside remains intriguing for a team seeking impact without a long-term commitment.
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For the Phillies, adding a proven bat with a history of elite power could help balance the lineup and alleviate pressure on their core hitters. Even if the player does not fully recapture his career-best form, a rebound season or partial resurgence could significantly improve the outfield’s overall output. Combined with the emergence of Crawford and the addition of García, another strategic acquisition would signal a clear intent to address one of the roster’s most glaring weaknesses.
As the offseason unfolds, Philadelphia’s willingness to explore multiple avenues—youth promotions, free-agent signings, and potential trades—underscores a sense of urgency. After an underwhelming 2025, the Phillies appear committed to reshaping their outfield and ensuring that last season’s struggles are not repeated.
Phillies recently showing interest in $20 million, 38-homer outfielder
Recent reporting indicates that the Philadelphia Phillies have emerged as another club monitoring the trade market for Luis Robert Jr. According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, as relayed by Romero, the Phillies had already evaluated Robert’s availability before the late-July trade deadline and continue to be linked to him as the offseason unfolds.
Philadelphia is not alone in its interest. The New York Mets are also widely viewed as a serious contender to pursue Robert in a potential deal with the Chicago White Sox this winter. Still, the Phillies’ name surfacing again underscores that the front office remains open to major changes in the outfield, even after making recent additions.
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Robert is an especially intriguing target for Philadelphia because of his well-rounded skill set. A right-handed hitter, he offers power at the plate, plus athleticism in the field, and the speed to impact games on the bases. Those traits align well with the Phillies’ desire to inject more dynamism into an outfield group that struggled for consistency last season. In theory, Robert could instantly become one of the most impactful everyday players in their lineup.
The key question now is whether Philadelphia would realistically pursue Robert after already committing $10 million to Adolis García. That signing may complicate matters. With García in the fold, the Phillies have already addressed their need for a right-handed outfielder, at least on paper. As a result, some around the league believe Philadelphia’s interest in Robert could cool, given that García fills a similar role and is expected to take on a prominent spot in the outfield.
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If the current roster alignment holds, García would likely slot into right field, with Justin Crawford and Brandon Marsh occupying the remaining outfield positions. Under that scenario, there is no obvious everyday role for Robert without pushing someone else aside.
Marsh, however, could become a trade candidate himself, which would open the door for Philadelphia to re-enter the Robert sweepstakes in a more serious way. Moving Marsh would clear both a roster spot and some playing time, making a Robert acquisition more logical.
There is also the possibility that the Phillies decide to spend aggressively and reshape the outfield almost entirely in one offseason. In that case, they could acquire Robert and use him in a flexible arrangement, potentially platooning him with Crawford or Marsh depending on matchups and performance. While such a strategy would not be inexpensive, it would give Philadelphia a deeper, more versatile group and raise the overall ceiling of the roster.
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From a financial and prospect standpoint, a trade may be more realistic than it appears at first glance. The White Sox have reportedly shown a willingness to absorb a portion of Robert Jr.’s contract to facilitate a deal. That flexibility could make the financial side workable for the Phillies, even after the García signing. Additionally, Chicago is not necessarily demanding one of Philadelphia’s elite prospects in return, which lowers the barrier to entry and makes the trade more appealing.
Admittedly, the fit looks awkward at the moment. Adding Robert after already committing to García could create redundancy, especially given that both are right-handed hitters who project to corner outfield roles. However, roster construction is rarely static, and the Phillies’ front office has shown a willingness to be creative when it believes the talent upgrade justifies the complexity.
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President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, in particular, has a track record of bold moves. If he believes Robert represents a significant upgrade and a chance to dramatically improve the team’s athleticism and power, he may not shy away from finding a solution—even if it requires additional trades or unconventional usage.
Ultimately, while the García signing may reduce the urgency, it does not eliminate the possibility of Philadelphia making a push for Luis Robert Jr. The Phillies remain a team to watch, especially if they decide that a complete outfield overhaul is the best path forward. With Chicago open to creative deal structures and Philadelphia motivated to contend now, it would be premature to count the Phillies out of the Robert sweepstakes.
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