The Philadelphia Phillies head into the offseason with a few holes to fill. First of all, they need to find a way to retain one of their clubhouse leaders, Kyle Schwarber, but that is only the start.
Philadelphia also has a problem in the outfield. Max Kepler and Harrison Bader are both free agents, and the club is rumored to be looking for a potential suitor to take Nick Castellanos off their hands.
There are quite a few star-level outfielders on the open market, but to re-sign Schwarber, those big names might not be attainable. Instead, they could look at a lower-level outfielder on the open market or engage in trade talks with various teams.
Phillies linked to Astros outfielder as possible Harrison Bader replacement
One player that has been recently linked to the Phillies is Houston Astros outfielder Jake Meyers. The Athletic's Matt Gelb believes he could be a great fit in Philadelphia if Harrison Bader signs elsewhere over the offseason.
"One name to file away: Astros center fielder Jake Meyers, a righty hitter, who might be squeezed out of Houston's outfield plan. Meyers, considered a strong defender, does not hit for power. But he could be a decent alternative to Harrison Bader – if he lands elsewhere. Houston is fielding calls on Meyers."
The Astros have a few options to take Meyers' spot, so losing him would not be too much of a big deal. His glove in Philadelphia would be greatly appreciated.
The only thing that Philadelphia will have to be cautious about is Meyers' injury history. He missed two months of the season last year while he was dealing with a right calf strain.
However, Meyers would not cost much, and the Phillies have the talent in the farm system to get this deal done.
More MLB news:
- Yankees GM Brian Cashman confirms the priority is to retain Cody Bellinger
- Orioles plan to shed their budget reputation by spending big this winter
- Yankees emerge as one of the favorites to sign three-time NPB All-Star
- Padres emerge as one of the leading candidates to sign Japanese star pitcher
- Padres among a handful of teams gauging the catching market