According to a recent report by Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies and Rays have been in discussion regarding a trade for 3-time Gold Glove winner CF Kevin Kiermaier.

As most Phillies fans are aware the team is in desperate need to upgrade both the centerfield and left field positions this offseason. According to Baseball Reference the Phillies in 2021 ranked 22nd in WAR and were even worse ranking 28th in OPS.

These were your Phillies 2021 centerfield at-bats:

Odubel Herrera 411
Travis Jankowksi 109
Roman Quinn 43
Luke Williams 27
Mickey Moniak 26
Matt Vierling 24
Adam Haseley 18
Jorge Bonifacio 10
Ronald Torreyes 2
Scott Kingery 1 – – LOL!

I really have little to say other than this is a depressing list and another reminder of why the Phillies continually miss the playoffs.

I have been hearing rumors regarding Kiermaier as possible fit for the Phillies for over a year now. On paper the match makes a lot of sense for both clubs. Philly desperately needs to find stability at an important defensive position while Tampa who is well known for keeping a tight payroll and trading away players before they reach free agency or the last years of arbitration is looking for additional flexibility.

Set to make $12 million in 2022, Kiermaier is one of the Rays’ highest paid players and they almost certainly will not pick up his $13 million 2023 club-option (which comes with a $2.5 million buyout). The Phillies could realistically trade for Kiermaier without giving up any prospects of real value.

An acquisition of Kiermaier does come with some real risk as he will be entering 2021 at 32 and may have already played his best baseball. Since 2017, Kiermaier has produced a modest OPS+ of 94 and during that time missed over 200 games with various injuries.

Despite his below-average offensive output, Kiermaier still managed to produce over 10 WAR during those five seasons, a true testament to his defensive value in the field.

Phillies fans…is that something I could interest you in?

Kiermaier’s 2021 saw somewhat of an offensive renaissance for a player more well known for his glove than his bat. He hit .259/.328/.716 with an OPS+ 104, his highest since 2017.

Kiermaier is not Starling Marte, Chris Taylor or some of the other big name free-agents outfielders on the market. But Kiermaier gives the Phillies a cost controlled one-year rental on a potential everyday starting CF. At the very least the Phillies would be acquiring a hard-working player who rates as a plus defender at multiple outfield spots.

Dave Dombrowski has his work cut out for him with limited payroll flexibility before reaching the luxury tax and glaring holes still looming in the bullpen and left field. Counting at only $8.9 million against the tax Kevin Kiermaier could solidify a position of need at a reasonable one-year cost.

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj - USA TODAY Sports