Phillies avoiding rumored NL East center field trade candidate is good news…
The Phillies aren’t interested in acquiring Marlins center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr., which is a relief. The Phillies have been rumored to be looking to improve their outfield by the July 30 MLB trade deadline. Names like the Chicago White Sox’s Luis Robert Jr. and Cody Bellinger of the Chicago Cubs have come up as possible additions.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Miami Marlins is also reportedly available, but the Phillies are not seen as potential suitors for the 26-year-old. Let’s explore why it’s positive news that the Phillies are not interested in adding him before the trade deadline.
Phillies avoiding rumored NL East center field trade candidate is good news
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Phillies have no interest in acquiring Chisholm to upgrade their outfield. This is good news for several reasons.
Firstly, Chisholm has struggled with health issues throughout his major league career. He played in 124 games in 2021, only 60 games in 2022, and 97 games last year. Although he has been relatively healthy in 2024, playing in 93 of Miami’s 96 games, his injury history is concerning.
Another reason it’s beneficial that the Phillies are not pursuing Chisholm is the likely high cost of the trade. Miami would probably demand a package including Philly’s No. 2 prospect, Aidan Miller.
Despite having shortstop Trea Turner under contract for several seasons, the Phillies should avoid trading the 20-year-old Miller. He could be a key player for the team’s future if he reaches his potential.
Third baseman Alec Bohm will be a free agent in 2027. If the Phillies cannot re-sign him, Miller could step in at third base. Although the team views Miller as a shortstop, he can also play third base, making him a versatile future asset.
Philadelphia aims to win a championship now but must also focus on future building. Their top three prospects, pitcher Andrew Painter, Miller, and outfielder Justin Crawford, are seen as vital to their future. Other promising players include infielder Starlyn Caba and catcher Eduardo Tait, who could become the Phillies’ future starting catcher.
Acquiring a center fielder with several years remaining on their contract, like Robert or Chisholm, raises questions about the future of outfielder Johan Rojas. The Dominican Republic native is a better defensive center fielder than the Marlins’ utility player.
Miami has played the 26-year-old at second base and shortstop, in addition to center field, while Rojas has primarily been used in center field. Constantly switching positions can hinder a player’s ability to excel in one role.
Acquiring Chisholm contradicts what Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said before spring training about wanting to give Rojas a chance. At 23, Rojas may need a season or two to reach his potential as a major league player.
If the Phillies acquire a player like Chisholm or Robert, Rojas’ playing time in center field will be affected unless they move him to left or right field. Chisholm’s injury history and the potential high cost of a trade should make the Phillies look elsewhere to bolster their outfield depth before the trade deadline.
