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The Philadelphia Phillies have one of the better rosters in baseball, and it only got better at the trade deadline with a few huge additions.
But their outfield depth is still a problem, and it’s a problem that the front office will almost certainly address in the offseason.
Edward Eng of That Ball’s Outta Here recently predicted the Phillies would cut ties with veteran outfielder Max Kepler over the next few months, whether it be before the postseason or in the offseason.
“The 32-year-old outfielder has hit only .202 with a .651 OPS to date, marking his worst totals since his brief MLB debut in 2015 with Minnesota,” Eng wrote. “Kepler has recorded just 40 runs scored, 11 home runs and 33 RBIs in 95 total games. Many had thought the 11-year veteran could be on his way out upon an acquisition of an outfielder at the trade deadline.
“But even after the addition of Bader, Kepler remains a part of the team for now but will likely lose some valuable playing time down the stretch. Unless Kepler suddenly proves his worth by drastically turning his game around soon, he might not even see the postseason with the Phillies.”
Kepler is as good as gone in Philadelphia this offseason. The Phillies will be looking to add impact outfielders, and Kepler doesn’t fit that role at this stage of his career.
To make matters worse for the 11-year veteran, the Phillies’ top outfield prospect, Justin Crawford, is looming. He could make his big league debut as soon as this season in a move that could see Kepler designated for assignment.
Either way, the Phillies aren’t likely to keep the veteran outfielder on the roster for much longer.
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