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Kevin Kiermaier only option for Philadelphia Phillies in center

By David Hill

Oct 11, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier (39) makes a catch for an out against the Boston Red Sox during the second inning during game four of the 2021 ALDS at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier (39) makes a catch for an out against the Boston Red Sox during the second inning during game four of the 2021 ALDS at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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For all of the attention that has been placed on the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen woes, there may be a bigger hole on the roster. Centerfield has the makings of a disaster for 2022 as the Phillies do not have any viable options on the roster. Odubel Herrera, their primary center fielder last year, is a free agent, leaving few potential options.

The Phillies do not feel as though they have a viable option within their organization. Matt Vierling, Mickey Moniak, and Adam Haseley are not viewed as everyday players at this point, a status that has to be a disappointment to the team. At this point, the Phillies’ best option to find a center fielder could be through trade, with Kevin Kiermaier as the most likely target.

Philadelphia Phillies should target Kevin Kiermaier

It is no secret that the Rays would love to move on from Kiermaier. He is due $14.5 million for the 2022 season, which includes the buyout of his 2023 team option. That is a significant portion of the Rays’ payroll, especially for a team that operates on as small of a budget as they do.

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There are risks associated with Kiermaier. In addition to his salary, he is not exactly someone that has been a paragon of health throughout his career, as he has been injured every year since 2015. He has been solid with the bat when healthy, producing a respectable .249/.310/.410 batting line in his 3130 plate appearances, hitting 75 homers and 132 doubles with 106 steals, but is not going to fundamentally change a lineup.

But Kiermaier can provide something that the Phillies desperately need. Even with his injury woes, he has been one of the best defensive outfielders in the game, saving 145 runs in his nine years. The Phillies have been looking to upgrade in center for years, and Kiermaier, even if it is for just one season, would be exactly that.

Likewise, it may not cost much to acquire Kiermaier. The Rays would likely accept a relatively unheralded prospect in return, hoping for a lottery ticket that they could cash in. If that is the case, the Phillies may have their answer for the 2022 season.

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The Philadelphia Phillies are in desperate need of a centerfielder. Trading for Kevin Kiermaier may be their best option.

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