Philadelphia Phillies: Who is going to start at center field?

The Philadelphia Phillies have made some big signings this offseason, filling out some holes in their roster, trying to keep up with the toughest division in baseball. Nevertheless, with spring training coming up the starting center field job is still up for grabs. Let´s take look at the viable options.

Last season there were three different starters: Roman Quinn, Adam Haseley, and Scott Kingery. The 27th-year-old, Roman Quinn, was the favorite choice for manager Joe Girardi, starting 37 of the 60 games, losing the job sometimes due to injuries (he was placed in the IL two times during the 2020 season).

Finding a center fielder for the Philadelphia Phillies

Despite having his managers’ trust, Quinn’s 2020 offensive stats were not good, to say the least. He slashed  .206/.261/.315 in 116 plate appearances and according to baseball savant was in the bottom percentile in almost every offensive category between center fielders. However, the reason he is still on the active roster is his above-average defense and great speed. He is one of the fastest players in the league and last year he showed improvement in his defense, being ranked in the top 70 percentile in outs above average and in the top 97 in outfielder jump. Ideally, Quinn should be a bench player that can come in and play defense or pinch run in a close game.

Adam Haseley played his second season in the majors but got just 79 plate appearances throughout 40 games, pinch-hitting in most and starting in center in 20 of them. His offensive display was a little better than Quinn’s but nothing to get excited about as he had an OPS of just .690 showing no gap or home run power whatsoever. Last year was a regression from a rookie season that left some hopes. He is still young and can develop but if he doesn’t improve his offense quickly, he might even lose his spot in the majors.

Finally, there was Scott Kingery who played most of the year at second but was given the nod to start 9 games in center. He had a terrible offensive season batting for just .159 with an OPS+ 37, but he has some defensive abilities that can be useful. He can play at second, short, and all three positions in the outfield so it is probable that Girardi might keep him on the roster as a utility player, so he can rest veterans like Andrew McCutchen. Nevertheless, he should not be considered to start every day in center.

Still, the Phillies have more options. In the 40-man roster, they have two minor leaguers that can play center, Mickey Moniak and Simon Muzzoti. Both are very young and haven’t played above AA, so it’s the Phillies wish they stay in the minors, but they would have a chance to impress in spring training for sure.

Dave Dombrowski, president of baseball operations, mentioned in a press conference last Wednesday that Obduel Herrera, the former starter in center, could be invited to camp as a non-roster invitee and could fight for the position. They have not made the announcement official but Herrera, who is a former all-star and just 29 years old might be a decent option. The team is already on the hook with Herera for $10.35 Million and a $2.5 million buyout after the season, so it’s logical they at least give Herrera a try. Despite his off the field issues, Herrera has some decent stats in his five years in Philadelphia, batting for a .276 average with an OPS+ of 102.

Even so,  the best option is still a free agent. Jackie Bradley Jr, one of the best defensive fielders in the game, with an average bat, would be the solution to all of Philadelphia’s problems. The former Red Sox’s player has been linked with the Mets but in the last few days, with Andrew Benintendi being traded to Kansas, a return to Fenway has become even more plausible. Nevertheless, the Phillies front office should try to get Bradley Jr as they might need him more than they realize.

Last season, the trio of Quinn, Haseley, and Kingery made the Phillies rank as the third-worst team in center field production-wise. Nevertheless, and as Girardi has said, each of those guys brings a unique set of characteristics that can be valuable to the team. However, none of them has shown enough to be an everyday starter, which is why it would be interesting to see how Herrera bounces back in spring training after two seasons without playing.

Girardi will keep an eye on Moniak and Mussoti for sure, but Philadelphia Phillies fans should hope that their front office makes a last push for Jackie Bradley Jr and convince him to play next season in Citizen Park.