Plenty of Available Names If Phillies Look to Trade for Help in Center Field

The Phillies' depth in center field has taken a huge hit recently. Roman Quinn, Andrew McCutchen and Adam Haseley are all down with injuries. Aaron Altherr was designated for assignment and Odubel Herrera is on administrative leave and facing an uncertain future that could include a possible suspension, and maybe more, stemming from a domestic violence charge last month.

The Phils are currently down to one regular, Scott Kingery, in center field – and he comes with some fine print because he's a second baseman who is still adapting to the position.

Quinn is playing in Florida and should be back from his groin injury this month. He could end up being very important in center field, especially if the Phils need Kingery's offense at third base.

Whatever the case, the Phils will probably go looking for center field depth/help. Check that, they already are.

Here are some names they will likely consider:

Adam Jones, Diamondbacks

He nixed a trade to the Phillies last summer because he did not want to uproot in the final year of his contract with the Orioles. Now, he's on a one-year deal with Arizona and producing offensively, though he has missed the last few games with a hamstring issue. He has been playing right field for Arizona but can still slide over and handle the middle. Arizona is hovering around wild-card contention so that could impact his (and teammates') availability.

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Manuel Margot, Padres

Couldn't help but notice that he did not play regularly when the Phillies were in San Diego last week. Still young (24) with a lot of talent. Might be worth a call.

Jarrod Dyson, Diamondbacks

Turns 35 in August, but he still moves well and gets on base.

Leury Garcia, White Sox

He's a scrappy, speed guy with a pretty good bat and he's got the versatility that the Phillies love.

Leonys Martin, Indians

A very good defender. Offense is a weakness.

Billy Hamilton, Royals

Not much of a stick, but has game-changing speed. Intriguing as defensive replacement and pinch-runner.

Whit Merrifield, Royals

The Royals are making everyone available. Merrifield is a second baseman by trade, but he can play all over the diamond, including center field. The Phillies like that versatility and they poked around on him last summer. He is signed through 2022 on a team-friendly deal. The cost to acquire him will be steep.

Keon Broxton, Orioles

A top defender with big power but holes in his swing.

Matt Szczur, Diamondbacks

The former Chicago Cub and Villanova football and baseball star is tearing up the Pacific Coast League at the plate and he can play all three outfield spots. He has an out in his contract on June 15.

Michael A. Taylor, Nationals

He has hit some huge homers against the Phillies over the years. He has not hit consistently and has been passed by younger players in Washington. Intriguing because he is still talented and just 28. However, Nats might be unwilling to deal him within the division.

Mallex Smith, Mariners

Plays center field, but some scouts see him as more of a corner guy.

Dee Gordon, Mariners

Though an infielder by trade, he's a tremendous athlete who has played center field in the past. He's owed over $20 million over the next two seasons and the Mariners are looking to unload money. It's doubtful the Phils would make this move, however. After watching their team chemistry implode after last year's trade deadline, the Phillies are putting an emphasis on clubhouse fits and Gordon had a well-publicized fight with Jean Segura when they were teammates last year.

Juan Lagares, Mets

A very good defender as the Phillies have seen over the years.

Carlos Gomez, Mets

Not close to the player he used to be.

Kevin Pillar, Giants

Not as fast as he once was, but still a good defender in center field because of his excellent instincts and reads. Has not hit with the Giants. He plays hard. He could be had.  

Starling Marte, Pirates 

It's unclear if the Pirates would make him available, but he'd be a good get because he's a productive bat and has a Gold Glove on his resume. He's owed about $6 million for the remainder of this season and has options in his deal for the next two years.

JaCoby Jones, Tigers

He has lots of tools and he's had a solid year with the Tigers. Might be worth a look, though the Tigers are probably not looking to move him.

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