Are the Philadelphia Phillies satisfied with their lineup as currently constructed?
It’s not a slam–the Phillies have a very good lineup. But they didn’t make any groundbreaking changes this offseason (sorry, Max Kepler), and they’re essentially running it back with the same group that went ice-cold in the playoffs last season.
As Opening Day approaches and the Phillies stare down a hypercompetitive National League East, is this team in the market for another big bat? There’s one name that has been constantly available in trade rumors for months, but it would require Philadelphia to make a big change with their biggest star.
On Monday, CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa urged the Phillies to acquire St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, moving Alec Bohm to first base and Bryce Harper to the outfield, where he played until the 2023 season.
“We know the Cardinals want to trade Nolan Arenado and that Arenado wants out. Put those two things together and it feels like only a matter of time until he’s moved. It didn’t happen this offseason (it almost did) but it will at the deadline, we boldly predict,” Axisa wrote.
“Where will Arenado land? I won’t be specific, though there’s a certain all-in NL East team with a core that’s starting to get older and wouldn’t have to try hard to find a way to make things work on the infield corners (by moving a certain outfielder-turned-first baseman back to the outfield).”
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Arenado, who turns 34 in April, had a concerning offensive drop-off last season, producing a slugging percentage below .400 for the first time in his career.. But he’s an eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glover, and no one would be surprised if he bounces back, especially if he played for a contender.
Moving Harper to first base wasn’t just done to save his throwing arm. It’s a position with less wear and tear over time, and he’s settled in quite well there. It would be risky to subject him to the outfield again in his thirties, especially because his athleticism will surely start to decline soon.
Nevertheless, the Phillies could hypothetically improve on both sides of the ball by sticking Arenado at third. Desperation will be the x-factor, both from the Cardinals’ and Phillies’ perspectives.
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