Philadelphia Phillies find their new centerfielder in old friend

Odubel Herrera was done with the Philadelphia Phillies. After his domestic violence suspension in 2019, and a suspension that took up the remainder of the year, he was persona non grata in Philadelphia. Herrera did not appear in the majors at all in 2020 and began the 2021 campaign in Triple-A as the Phillies were just waiting for his contract to expire.

But something happened to change those plans. The Phillies’ other centerfielders were awful. Between a lack of production and Adam Haseley taking a personal leave of absence, they had no choice but to go to Herrera. He responded with a respectable .260/.310/.416 batting line in his 492 plate appearances, hitting 13 homers and 27 doubles.

Philadelphia Phillies bring Odubel Herrera back

With Herrera a free agent, and their internal options lacking, the Phillies had been looking for a centerfielder. They had been linked to Kevin Kiermaier prior to the lockout but were unable to get anything done. As there were few options left, they have returned to a familiar face, bringing Herrera back into the fold.

The Phillies did not have many other options. Aside from a potential trade for Ramon Laureano, who still has 27 games to serve on his PED suspension, the other possibilities for center were hardly inspiring. Kiermaier may have been an intriguing target, but he also has not been able to stay healthy. Herrera may have been the least worst option available.

While that synopsis is clearly not an endorsement of Herrera, he could be a solid enough option. For all of his flaws, he was close to a league average bat and saved two runs in center last season. The Phillies would likely be pleased if they can get the same results in 2022.

He is also not nearly enough to upgrade the lineup. The Phillies still need to add another bat or two to the lineup in order to contend in the coming year. However, Herrera provides a degree of competence at a position that was a black hole until he returned to the lineup in 2021.

The Philadelphia Phillies have brought Odubel Herrera back as their centerfielder. He was the least worst of their options at this point of the offseason.