Phillies Are ‘Less Inclined’ To Move Brandon Marsh

Managing Editor

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Aug 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh (16) reacts after reaching second base on a Washington Nationals error during the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Bill Streicher

While Alec Bohm and Ranger Suárez have been mentioned as possible trade candidates, mum has been the word on Brandon Marsh, despite the fact that he's still relatively cost effective like the other two.

But Matt Gelb said on the latest episode of Phillies Therapy — H/T Destiny Lugardo of Phillies Nation — that he's heard that the Phillies aren't currently of the mindset to move Marsh.

"The one thing I did hear recently — and I think this is pretty good information — is that they are less inclined to move Marsh. Marsh is a guy that’s not as available, I guess I would say, as some of the other guys. Not that they wouldn’t trade him if the right offer came around. That stands for everybody. I think he’s less among that group of guys that they are more active in trying to sell. … I think it’s more about the center field situation than anything. Obviously, there are no free agent center fielders and trading for a center fielder is probably, I don’t want to say impossible, but unwise given the value or the price that may be put on other center fielders. Their inclination to keep Marsh is more about the other center field options than anything. More than likely, barring a massive surprise, you’re probably looking at a Marsh/Rojas combo in center field with an upgrade in left, hypothetically."

At the outset of the offseason, we wondered whether Marsh could be a trade candidate. For all he does well, there's a lot of swing and miss from Marsh at the plate. He struck out 154 times in 476 plate appearances in 2024. If the Phillies were looking to reduce the swing and miss in a lineup that also includes Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos and Trea Turner, Marsh would be the type of piece you could deal for another area of need to shake things up.

But Gelb is right, if the Phillies view Marsh as their center fielder in 2025 — or at least part of the solution there with Johan Rojas to open the season — it doesn't make sense to move him. There are few difference makers in center field, and Marsh is able to play that position at a component level, and left field at a Gold Glove level.

Marsh may be best served only starting against right-handed pitching, but the bulk of starting pitchers are righties. Marsh is also an excellent teammate, who seems legitimately happy when someone like Rojas has success, even if that comes partially at the expense of his playing time. His positivity was a great addition to the clubhouse when the Phillies acquired him from the Los Angeles Angels in August of 2022.

Still, if the Phillies are trying to reduce swing-and-miss in their lineup, it does seem to be a bit counterproductive to move Bohm, as opposed to Marsh. But it would be much easier to find a capable third baseman than center fielder. There's also some concerns that exist with Bohm that aren't there with Marsh.