Phillies ‘Growing Frustrated' With Lack of Production From Outfielder Johan Rojas
The Philadelphia Phillies have hit a mid-summer skid after being swept by the Houston Astros. The pitching was tremendous, allowing five runs across 27 innings. However, the offense seemed to have holes in their bats, leading to just one run scored in the three-game series. Although there are plenty of places to assign blame, one underlying issue continues to be outfield production – primarily centerfielder Johan Rojas.
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Philadelphia is searching for an outfield upgrade at the trade deadline, and Rojas' putrid .216/.270/.288 slash-line is, by far, the most replaceable on the team. Even Rojas' defense, his most valuable asset, ranks 22nd, according to FanGraphs WAR, and tied for 20th in Defensive Runs Saved.
Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Johan Rojas (18) runs toward second base after hitting a double against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at loanDepot Park.Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
After a lackluster 2024 season that offered only glimpses of potential, Rojas has taken a step back in 2025, fueling growing frustration within the organization.
"There is growing frustration with Rojas, who has seven hits in his last 59 at-bats," according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. "He serves a purpose — as a late-inning defensive replacement and potential pinch runner — but the club could look to limit his time at the plate."
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The Phillies are desperate to find offensive output from the outfield. And all options are on the table, including moving former MVP Bryce Harper back to rightfield if they can acquire a first baseman at the deadline, according to ESPN's Bust Olney.
As a unit, Philadelphia's outfield ranks 14th in baseball, per FanGraphs, but is inside the bottom ten in home runs, hits, and RBIs for the season. As the trade deadline approaches and dissatisfaction permeates through the organization, an outfield shakeup is overdue.
Related: Trea Turner Still Optimistic After Phillies' Horrendous Astros Series
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
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