“With Kepler joining the team, could this beloved Phillies player be on his way out?”
The Philadelphia Phillies’ recent signing of veteran outfielder Max Kepler has strengthened their outfield offense, addressing a key area of need. However, this move leaves the team with four starting-caliber outfielders for only three spots in the 2025 lineup. Could Kepler’s arrival signal the end of one player’s tenure with the team?
MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki discussed this scenario on a recent episode of Foul Territory. With Nick Castellanos seemingly locked into his role and Johan Rojas showing promise in Dominican Winter Ball, it appears veteran Brandon Marsh could be the odd man out.
With Max Kepler signed, will Brandon Marsh be on the move if the right deal comes up for the Phillies?
Zolecki noted that Brandon Marsh is a player with several years of team control who excels defensively in both left and center field and hits well against right-handed pitching. However, Marsh has yet to become the everyday player the Phillies had envisioned.
“I think Brandon Marsh is a great name,” Zolecki remarked. “He has multiple years of team control, can play a strong left field, is an above-average center fielder, and hits right-handed pitching well. But he hasn’t fully developed into the everyday player the Phillies hoped for.”
Zolecki also emphasized a key sentiment expressed by Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski throughout the offseason: maintaining an “open-minded” approach to improving the team. This philosophy could lead to Marsh being included in a trade package if the right opportunity arises.
In 2023, Marsh posted a .249 batting average with career highs in both home runs (16) and stolen bases (19). However, his career averages over a 162-game pace are more modest, with 14 home runs and 66 RBIs, often batting near the bottom of the lineup.
Meanwhile, Max Kepler, despite an injury-plagued 2024 season, has been a more consistent offensive force for the Minnesota Twins, averaging 24 home runs and 77 RBIs while hitting higher in the batting order. Both players are strong defensively, but Kepler’s superior offensive potential gives him an edge.
This dynamic could position Marsh as a valuable trade asset if the Phillies choose to address other roster needs. However, it also raises the question of whether the team would be better off maintaining flexibility with a rotation of Rojas, Marsh, and Kepler to optimize matchups. Given Kepler’s injury history, retaining Marsh could provide crucial depth and insurance.
Ultimately, as Zolecki pointed out, the Phillies might be willing to trade Marsh for the right player or situation. However, such a move could be bittersweet for fans who have grown attached to Marsh in recent years.
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