Big changes might be coming to the Philadelphia Phillies this offseason, and according to Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly, outfielder Brandon Marsh is a prime candidate to be traded. This upcoming offseason isn’t just another one for the National League East club; it could be their most important in years.
From All-Star Flash to Post-Break Freefall
Marsh’s season was a tale of two halves, and honestly, the second half was brutal. He actually earned an All-Star selection for his performance in the first half, absolutely crushing it with a .301 batting average. That’s the kind of production that gets you noticed, right? But then, after the All-Star break, his bat just went cold. We’re talking a massive drop-off, hitting a measly .184 with a .502 OPS. Oof. His overall numbers for the year, 18 homers, 62 RBIs, and a 90 OPS+, weren’t terrible, but they sure weren’t great either. Tim Kelly even pointed out how telling it was to see Otto Kemp pinch-hit for Marsh, even against Chris Sale, with the season on the line. That’s a pretty damning sign, wouldn’t you say?
Championship Dreams and an Aging Core
This isn’t just about Marsh’s individual performance; it’s about the bigger picture for the Phillies. They have championship aspirations, no doubt, but their position-player core is getting up there in age. We’re talking big names like Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, and Trea Turner. Those guys know their window for a World Series is closing fast, and they only have a few more shots at it. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is facing some tough decisions, and the team needs a shake-up if they want to keep those championship dreams alive. Kelly hit it on the head: “It would hardly be shocking if the Phillies, in need of a shake-up, consider trading Marsh this offseason.” Marsh is 28 years old and has just one year left before he hits free agency, making him an immediate asset for a team looking to retool.
So, what could the Phillies get for him? The chatter is they might be looking for a bullpen arm in return. With an aging core and a clear need for a shake-up, moving Marsh for pitching help could be exactly what Dombrowski needs to do to keep this team in contention. It’s going to be one wild offseason in Philly, that’s for sure.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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