Latest news with #ScottLauber
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Phillies' Dave Dombrowski Doesn't Plan to Add Brandon Marsh Replacement at Trade Deadline
Phillies' Dave Dombrowski Doesn't Plan to Add Brandon Marsh Replacement at Trade Deadline originally appeared on Athlon Sports. For the Philadelphia Phillies outfield, this season has been a tough one. Nearly every outfielder has had stretches where they struggled significantly. No one struggled more than Brandon Marsh to start the year. Advertisement His struggles led to the fan base calling for Dave Dombrowski and the front office to find a replacement. But, regardless of Marsh's recent improved performance, Dombrowski gave the fans some bad news recently. In an article from Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Dombrowski, the Phillies' president of baseball operations, revealed the team is unlikely to land an outfielder at the trade deadline as they did a year ago with Austin Hays. "I don't think it's too similar," Dombrowski said, "I think the thing you have to realize is offense is down. It's hard to find guys to put up numbers. I mean, it just is." While Dombrowski didn't say he wouldn't make a move in the outfield, he's effectively justifying Marsh and the rest of the outfielders' play. The offense is down league-wide, and Dombrowski doesn't see any significant improvements that could be made at the deadline. Advertisement It isn't just the Phillies who have struggled in the outfield; it's a league-wide issue. "Through Thursday, the major league-wide batting average was .245," Lauber writes, "Which would be the fifth-lowest mark since MLB lowered the mound in 1968." Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh (16) celebrates with outfielder Max Kepler (17) after hitting a home run against the San Diego Padres during the fifth inning at Citizens Bank Streicher-Imagn Images The offense is down overall, especially in the outfield. "In left field and center," Lauber writes, "league-average slugging was .399 and .387, respectively, tied for third-and fifth-lowest in 57 years." With offense down, Marsh's .260 batting average and a .379 slugging percentage aren't too terrible. Despite being below average, Dombrowski believes Marsh "has been performing very well for us." Advertisement Based on his production lately, Dombrowski ins't wrong. Since May 3rd, Marsh has a .311 batting average, a .371 on-base percentage, and a .444 slugging percentage. His .815 OPS is also very strong. His season stats are so much worse since he started off the year on a terrible note. Through April, Marsh was hitting just .095 with a .387 OPS. Putting it bluntly, he was awful at the start of the season. But after taking some time off, Marsh has returned better than ever and has been solid for the Phillies. Between Marsh's recent production at the plate and Kepler's power coming into play, Dombrowski is leaning towards not adding a new outfielder at the MLB trade deadline. Related: Phillies' Ranger Suarez Gets Massive New Contract Prediction Related: Phillies Continue to be Strongly Linked to Pair of Pirates Relievers This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Phillies' Trade Idea Acquires Red Sox Seven-Time All-Star in Blockbuster Deal
Phillies' Trade Idea Acquires Red Sox Seven-Time All-Star in Blockbuster Deal originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Philadelphia Phillies are one of the best teams in the majors. Yet, they may have the most glaring holes of any division leader. The outfield production has been subpar, with left field operating somewhat like the Bermuda Triangle. Advertisement Max Kepler is openly criticizing his usage, while the team is venting its frustration with Johan Rojas' play. The starting pitching is a bright spot, especially as the team eyes October baseball, but the bullpen leaves a lot to be desired in late-inning situations. Approaching the trade deadline, Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer suggests the Phillies swing for the fences and make a deal with the Boston Red Sox for closer Aroldis Chapman and outfielder Rob Refsnyder. "By himself, Chapman would likely fetch a midlevel prospect,' wrote Lauber. "But the Red Sox also have a surplus of outfielders, possibly matching them up with the Phillies' need and enabling them to extract more for Chapman.' Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (44) pitches against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Chapman, 37, is in the middle of another All-Star-worthy campaign. In 37 appearances, the flame-thrower has a 1.32 ERA, 50 strikeouts, and 14 saves across 34 innings. His fastball is still touching 100 mph regularly, and his WHIFF rate ranks in the 98th percentile, according to Baseball Savant. At a deadline with few elite-level arms available, Chapman is the marquee name. Advertisement Lauber continues by highlighting Refsnyder's impressive splits against right-handers, an area in which the Phillies outfield ranks 24th, according to FanGraphs. "Lefty-hitting Jarren Duran is the Sox's biggest outfield chip despite regressing after a breakout 2024 season," wrote Lauber. "But a better fit for the Phillies might be Rob Refsnyder, who bats right-handed and mashes lefties (.569 slugging, .972 OPS). He also played for Rob Thomson with the Yankees." Going back to the Red Sox is Philadelphia's #5 prospect, right-hander Mick Abel. Shipping Abel to Boston for one year of Chapman and Refsnyder is an overpay. However, with the clock ticking on their World Series window, Philadelphia cannot afford to miss a chance to add the best reliever on the market and solidify their bullpen ahead of a pivotal second-half stretch. Related: Phillies 'Growing Frustrated' With Lack of Production From Starting Outfielder This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
