Philadelphia Phillies add another candidate for center field
Two things were certain about the Philadelphia Phillies outfield. First, they needed someone that could actually play center field. Second, in the wake of Bryce Harper landing on the Injured List, they desperately needed another piece in the lineup.
The Phillies hope they found both in one place. They claimed outfielder Oscar Mercado off of waivers on Monday, adding him to their 40 man roster.
Philadelphia Phillies hoping Oscar Mercado can be part of the future
There was a time when Mercado appeared as though he would be a key part of the Guardians’ future. He had posted a solid .269/.318/.443 batting line in 482 plate appearances in 2019, hitting 15 homers and 25 doubles while stealing 15 bases. That performance earned some consideration for the AL Rookie of the Year that season with the expectation that he would be a key part of their future.
Instead, that has been the high point of his career. Mercado had posted a .198/.255/.331 batting line in his 450 plate appearances since the beginning of 2020, hitting just 11 homers and 18 doubles while stealing 12 bases. That lack of production made his being designated for assignment, something that had been considered laughable not that long ago, a reality.
The Phillies are hoping that he just needed a change of scenery. The allure of that solid rookie season is still there, especially for a team desperately searching for anything in center. As it is, the Phillies have already had five different people in center, all of which have at least eight appearances as they attempt to find a solution.
Maybe Mercado can be that. He still has plenty of team control left and has not yet entered the arbitration process. If he struggles again, the Phillies can just him go without much financial cost. If he does pan out, then the Phillies may finally have an answer that does not involve recycling Odubel Herrera.
Next. Time for Cole Hamels to face reality. dark
The Philadelphia Phillies have been looking for a long term solution in the outfield. Oscar Mercado could be the answer they have been searching for.