Report: Phillies eyeing up a defensive centerfielder ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline

The Philadelphia Phillies are in the market for a defensive centerfielder, according to Jon Heyman, Baseball Columnist for the NY Post.

Phillies looking for some defense in CF. Ramon Laureano is the top of the market but not that likely to be moved. Sone other considerations: Michael A. Taylor, Jackie Bradley Jr. (Dombrowski Red Sox link), Jose Siri.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 1, 2022

It has already been rumored that the team will be looking for a “playoff caliber” starting pitcher, and now it seems the Phils are still in the market for a defensive-first centerfielder.

Ramon Laureano would be a great pickup for the Phillies, but Heyman doesn’t believe the 5th year CF will be moved. Laureano is slashing .226/.310/.408 on the year with 11 HRs and 23 RBIs. He’s tallied 60 hits and 15 doubles while holding an OPS of .717. Laureano has played 177 innings in centerfield this year and hasn’t made a single error.

Michael A. Taylor has been one of my darkhorse names for the Phillies to acquire for the last few weeks. Taylor is on a bad Royals team but slashing .278/.348/.394 on the year with 6 HRs and 28 RBIs. He’s scored 31 times and tallied 67 hits while holding 6 doubles, 2 triples, and an OPS+ of 110.

Jackie Bradley Jr is the last name that Heyman mentioned and could be slightly more likely due to Dombrowski having a history with Bradley Jr in Boston. The 32-year-old outfielder is hitting just .210/.257/.321 on the year with 3 HRs and 29 RBIs but makes up for it with his glove, recording zero errors in 89 games in 2022.

Make sure to keep up with all Trade Deadline rumors here at The Liberty Line. 30 hours to go.

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