The Phillies might make a major bargain by signing an All-Star offensive lineman for $45 million.
The Phillies might make a major bargain by signing an All-Star offensive lineman for $45 million.
This offseason, the Philadelphia Phillies hope to make a big impression on the free agent market. Should the Phillies experience an anticipated decline, the class of free agents they have access to is strong enough to raise the water level much above the surface. Nevertheless, Philadelphia can make a move for a first-time All-Star who would provide them with a reliable and potent bat to help them in their World Series quest.
The Phillies have been mentioned as a possible destination for All-Star free agent Jurickson Profar.
The Phillies will be able to chase Johnson Profar, a first-time All-Star.While praising the 31-year-old left fielder (via Jon Conahan of the Philadelphia Phillies on SI), Mark Feinsand of MLB.com connected the two parties:
In 2024, Profar had a breakthrough season and, at age 31, was selected to his first All-Star squad. Although he is expected to earn a much larger contract this winter, Feinsand said, “His one-year, $1 million deal with the Padres proved to be one of the best signings of last offseason. He hit 24 home runs with 85 RBIs and an OPS of.839 in 158 games.” “Phillies, Padres, and Giants are possible fits.”
Last season, Profar was among the MLB’s most technically proficient sluggers. With a chase percentage of 21.9 percent and a whiff percentage of 16.9 percent (both in the 90th percentile), a strikeout rate of 15.1 percent (88th percentile), and a walk rate of 11.4 percent (89th percentile), the 6-0, 184-pound outfielder was in the 88th percentile or above.
Profar could be the Phillies’ top target for a left field upgrade.
On the surface, the Curacao native proved himself to be a competent home run hitter with 24 bombs during the previous season, scoring 94 runs and driving in 85 RBIs. From a discipline perspective, his peripherals and analytics would therefore provide the Phillies with a flexible slugger who can accomplish tasks for them and generate uncertainty at the plate.
Profar would be a fantastic upgrade for the Phillies to consider at the plate and in the outfield if Marsh is traded.