What Should the Phillies Do in CF?

---

The biggest question mark for the 2024 Phillies, to me, is centerfield. Who is the starter? Do Pache and Rojas platoon? Does one, or both, start in AAA? Who is going to provide offense? All of these questions need answers if the Phillies want to get back to the World Series in 2024.

For all intents and purposes, 8 of the 9 regular spots are taken. Barring injury, Schwarber (DH), Harper(1B), Stott (2B), Bohm (3B), Turner (SS), Marsh (LF), Castellanos (RF) and Realmuto (C) are sharpied into the line up most days. The only decision Rob Thomson has to make is, "Who is in CF?"

Personally, I would LOVE it if that person was not on the roster right now. I am smart enough to know that, at this point, the Phillies aren't going to shell out big money to Cody Bellinger, although, he would get my vote. I know he had a peak contract year after a few bad ones, but if you get the player he was last year, he can play all three OF spots well, 1B when Harper needs a day off, and he balances the lineup out. You wouldn't have to force Stott to hit 4 or 5 in order to separate the lefties and righties. However, I am glad it's not my decision to give a guy $200M+ who slashed .165/.240/.302 just three seasons ago.

The Case for Rojas

Johan Rojas is an absolutely elite defensive center fielder. I'm not sure I've seen anyone track fly balls as well as him since Andruw Jones. He doesn't even make great plays because he gets himself into position where great plays look routine. He finished the season with the ninth-highest defensive WAR by a center fielder in Phillies history despite playing just 59 games. Rojas' 15 defensive runs saved ranked fourth this season among all major league center fielders.

At the plate, in 59 regular season games, Rojas showed some promise. He was able to slash .302/.342/.430, .771 OPS, with 2 HRs, 23 RBI and 14 SB. Those aren't Earth shattering numbers, but that is more than formidable from your 9 hitter, in a lineup with 5 guys who should hit 25+ homers. His base running, especially in front of Schwarber, could be a weapon as he gets more comfortable and aggressive in the major leagues.

The Case Against Rojas

While his defense was still elite, in the 2023 playoffs, he was abysmal at the plate. 15 strikeouts in 43 ABs, only 2 walks and most importantly, he looks over-matched and lost. He was not putting up good at bats. They may as well have just skipped his spot and taken an automatic out to speed up the game.

You cannot be an automatic out, and be an everyday player in the lineup for a team that has World Series aspirations, no matter how good you are on defense. He'll be a pinch runner/defensive replacement if he shows up to spring training hitting like he did in the playoffs.

The Case for Pache

Christian Pache is not quite the defender that Rojas is, but he is no slouch. Pache had 5 defensive runs saved in the OF, which is not the eye popping number Rojas put up, but prior to his torn meniscus in May, he was killing the ball. On his third team in three years, and only 24, he was hitting .360/.360/.600 with a .960 OPS. After the injuries, he fell back down to Earth a little, but he showed promise under Kevin Long.

The Case Against Pache

Had Rojas had even a bad post season, this wouldn't even be a conversation. The only reason Pache is under consideration is because Rojas had quite possibly the worst post season at the plate ever. Rojas had better numbers across the board, all while being a better defender. If Rojas hits in spring training, this question will be answered.

The Case for a Free Agent

Currently, the available players listed as center fielders on MLB.com free agent tracker, who I PERSONALLY like better than Rojas and Pache, are Adam Duvall and Cody Bellinger. Bellinger is going to get paid, so I think he's out, but Duvall had a decent season with the Red Sox last year, which included playing all three outfield spots, hitting .247/.303/.531 with 21 HRs and 58 RBI. All would be massive upgrades, offensively to Pache and Rojas.

Also, when you factor in that Marsh is a center fielder, that opens up the possibility or Jorge Soler, Wil Myers, Tommy Pham, or Jurickson Profar.

Realistically, I think this is Rojas' job to lose. If it were up to me, I would play Rojas and Pache every game in spring training, and whomever hits more, wins the job. I think Rojas' defense and base running gives him the edge. Unless he comes out and hits sub .100 again, or Bellinger wants another 1-year prove it deal, I think your CF and 9 hitter is Johan Rojas.