Outfield Area Emerges as Phillies’ Reportedly Prioritizing Lineup Upgrade, With Draft-Pick Costs in Play

Outfield tops reported plans

The Phillies have retained Don Mattingly as manager on a two-year deal and appear set to keep their veteran core together for at least another season. Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, J.T. Realmuto and Zack Wheeler keep the club in win-now mode.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic reported that the team is prioritizing the outfield. He named free agents Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs and Randy Arozarena of the Seattle Mariners as players under consideration. Either hitter could add depth to a lineup in which Harper, Schwarber and Bryson Stott were the only players to perform at league-average or better levels, according to the article.

Potential cost of signings

Suzuki and Arozarena each received a qualifying offer worth $23.15 million. If they decline and sign elsewhere, Philadelphia would give up its second- and fifth-highest picks in the 2027 MLB Draft, along with $1 million in international pool money.

A deal for either player could also run for multiple years and pay about $25 million annually. Those costs come as the Phillies weigh other roster needs.

Other roster needs remain

Bowden also identified bullpen depth as a priority and said he would like the team to bring back second baseman Luis Arraez. A return by Arraez could leave Stott without a clear role, though Stott has shown he can play third base.

Stott could also move to shortstop if Turner shifts back to the outfield. With Alec Bohm a free agent who did not receive a qualifying offer, Philadelphia may also seek another corner infielder.

Teruaki Sato, a third baseman who could move to right field, is presented as a possible source of power and run production. The article describes an offseason adding one of Suzuki or Arozarena, Sato and one or two bullpen arms as a strong outcome for Philadelphia.