Philadelphia Phillies not guaranteeing starting job for Odubel Herrera

Despite there being four years left on his extension, the Philadelphia Phillies are not guaranteeing a starting role for Odubel Herrera for the coming season.

It was not that long ago that Odubel Herrera appeared to be a building block for the Philadelphia Phillies. The former Rule V draft pick became an instant starter in the Phillies outfield in 2015, and followed up that season with an All Star selection. Signed to a five year extension with two team options after that campaign, Herrera was expected to be a part of the Phillies future.

Instead, he has regressed. After a decent 2017 campaign, Herrera started out on fire in 2018. Through the Phillies first 46 games, Herrera looked like an All Star once again, producing an excellent .345/.410/.542 batting line, hitting seven homers and ten doubles over those 188 plate appearances. However, from that point on, Herrera was a disaster. While he did hit 15 home runs over the remainder of the season, Herrera produced a horrendous .215/.265/.366 batting line over his final 409 plate appearances on the year.

That slump at the end of the year has prompted a change from the Phillies. Not only was he challenged to show up to Spring Training in better shape, but manager Gabe Kapler is not guaranteeing that Herrera will have a starting role come the regular season.

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As it stands, the Phillies have a rather crowded outfield situation. Barring a catastrophe, Andrew McCutcheon is the only player who appears to be guaranteed a spot in the lineup. That leaves Herrera to battle with Aaron Altherr, Roman Quinn, and Nick Williams for the other two spots in the lineup.

Of course, that outfield picture could get even more muddled in the coming days. The Phillies remain one of the favorites to land Bryce Harper, which would then leave one spot in the outfield for those four players. Herrera would seemingly have the upper hand with his ability to play center, but nothing is given.

Instead, he will need to make a positive impression during Spring Training. In some ways, it is as though he is back at Square One, trying to earn his way onto the roster and force his way into the lineup. Showing more consistency, both on the field and in his training, would certainly help his cause. Otherwise, Herrera could be on his way to the trading block as the Phillies look to clear out their outfield logjam.

Odubel Herrera has to earn his place with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019. His former status as a building block for the franchise feels like it was long ago.