The Philadelphia Phillies are like a ticking time bomb. They only have so much time to get everything right with their current core, and the organization knows the pressure is mounting as its championship window continues to shrink.
Their latest playoff exit made that reality even more apparent. In October, the Phillies were eliminated by their NL East rival, the Atlanta Braves, leaving many disappointed with how the season ended. However, the organization knows this winter could bring significant roster changes. After all, Bryce Harper admitted that he expects the team to look different next season.
“I’d imagine this team is going to look a lot different next year,” Harper told the media.
One area likely to see changes is the outfield. Philadelphia has needed a reliable, productive outfielder for some time, and addressing that weakness figures to be a priority this offseason.
“Of the areas that the team needs to address, not much has changed over the last couple of years. This is still a group that needs more offensively from their outfield and also better pitching from the bullpen. In terms of free agency, these should certainly be the areas that they are focused on, but it might not be the only one,” SI’s Nick Ziegler wrote.
There are several quality options available on the market, and CBS Sports’ Matt Snyder believes the Phillies could pursue Randy Arozarena.
“The Phillies’ window of contention remains open, even if not for long, and team president Dave Dombrowski isn’t shy about adding short-term fixes to his roster. Adolis Garcia didn’t work out last year, but that doesn’t mean Dombrowski will be shy this time around. They still want to win a World Series with this nucleus and they need corner outfield help, among other things,” Snyder wrote.
Arozarena could be an excellent addition for Philadelphia, bringing postseason experience and a desire to win his first World Series title. He has also proven capable of producing both at the plate and in the field.
Arozarena played on a $15 million contract with the Seattle Mariners last season. The Phillies have shown a willingness to be aggressive in free agency when they identify a player they want, and that could be the case again this winter.
Beyond their obvious need for an outfielder, the Phillies could use more consistency in their lineup. Arozarena would provide that while also bringing value on the basepaths. His combination of power and speed makes him a threat to reach the 20-20 mark.
Arozarena has also established himself as a dangerous postseason hitter, which could be especially valuable for a team with World Series aspirations. He previously won ALCS MVP honors with the Tampa Bay Rays, giving him another postseason accomplishment to bring to Philadelphia.
Finding a veteran who can still produce at a high level is not easy, and Arozarena would give the Phillies an experienced option to address one of their biggest needs. When comparing him with Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ, Arozarena could be the best fit for what Philadelphia needs this offseason.
More MLB news:
