Latest news with #outfield
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jordan Westburg's diving stop
Jordan Westburg takes a hit away from Daniel Schneeman with a fantastic diving stop on the outfield grass in the 3rd inning
Washington Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- Washington Post
Top pick Eli Willits has some lofty goals. Consider the first step complete.
When he was very young, Eli Willits would follow around his dad — a six-year MLB veteran — at the ballpark. Before games, Reggie and Eli Willits would head to the outfield. Eli couldn't hit home runs from home plate, but he would still try to clear the fence from the outfield grass.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
MLB Insider Says Phillies 'Badly Need' to Target Right-Handed Hitting Outfielder at Trade Deadline
MLB Insider Says Phillies 'Badly Need' to Target Right-Handed Hitting Outfielder at Trade Deadline originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Philadelphia Phillies have had issues in the outfield for the last few seasons. Whether it's a lack of offense or bad defense, the outfield spots have always been in flux lately. Advertisement According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Phillies have a clear area of need in the outfield, in the form of a right-handed bat to platoon in either left field or center field. "... They badly need a right-handed hitting outfielder at the trade deadline." Nightengale wrote. "Their left fielders are hitting .178 with a .278 slugging percentage against left-handed pitchers this year, with their center fielders hitting .235 with a .309 slugging percentage." The Phillies have four outfielders who are rotating in center field and left field at the moment. Max Kepler and Brandon Marsh are the lefty hitters, and while Marsh has been solid as of late (.833 OPS since June 1st), Kepler has struggled (.634 OPS since June 1st). Johan Rojas has struggled all year, with a .574 OPS on the season. Otto Kemp has been fine with his .671 OPS, but has had his ups and downs this season. Overall, as Nightengale points out, the Phillies' outfielders struggle against lefty pitchers. Advertisement Philadelphia Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski before the game against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Hartline-Imagn Images Due to Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, the two best Phillies hitters, both being lefties, the Phillies are likely to see a lot of left-handed pitching this season. Having two spots in the lineup that struggle against lefties isn't great. At this year's trade deadline, landing a right-handed hitting outfielder, to either platoon with Kepler or Marsh, is a major priority. Of the two outfield spots, Kepler is the most likely to be changed. Between his struggles this season and his complaints about playing time and being misled in the offseason, finding a replacement for him seems to be the best solution to this issue. Advertisement Regardless of what kind of player the Phillies target, they need to add a right-handed hitting outfielder. Sticking with Marsh, Rojas, Kepler, and Kemp in the outfield is not ideal. Nightengale says the Phillies "badly need" a right-handed hitting outfielder. With how the outfielders have struggled against left-handed pitching this season, it's clear the team needs to make a change. Related: Phillies Targeting Pirates' 1.46 ERA Reliever As 'Primary Interest' at Trade Deadline Related: Phillies' Interest in All-Star Reliever Seeing an 'Uptick' After 0.00 June ERA This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Phillies' Dave Dombrowski Doesn't See Any Worthwhile Outfielder Trade Targets
Phillies' Dave Dombrowski Doesn't See Any Worthwhile Outfielder Trade Targets originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Philadelphia Phillies are one of the teams in the Major Leagues that are looking for outfield talent at the MLB trade deadline. However, Phillies president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, recently spoke about that market. Advertisement In an article from Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer, when asked about landing a new outfielder in left or center field, Dombrowski said, "Where do you find them?" Dombrowski elaborated on his comments, referencing the lack of talent available for the position at this year's trade deadline. "I know that some of the names are mentioned - 'Ok, why don't you get this guy? Why don't you get that guy? - Well, they're hitting like .200 or .220." Dombrowski said. "A lot of the guys that were out there in the wintertime, that's what they're hitting, too." Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels, one of the top options for the Phillies, is batting just .228, though he does have 20 home runs and 59 RBIs. Luis Robert of the Chicago White Sox is batting just .185 and is one of the best options on the market. Advertisement Philadelphia Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski before the game against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Geliebter-Imagn Images Many top outfield options at this year's deadline aren't hitting well. Players like Byron Buxton, while rumored to be in trade talks, are unlikely to be moved. The best offensive outfielders are not expected to be dealt, and the rest of the market isn't the best. Philadelphia, despite the need in the outfield, might have to pass due to the poor market. Based on these comments from Dombrowski, it seems the Phillies will likely stick with Brandon Marsh and Max Kepler in the outfield for the remainder of the year, with Otto Kemp and Johan Rojas backing them up. Landing a star outfielder to improve one of the worst outfield units in the league would be ideal. But Dombrowski doesn't see it happening, as the options on the market aren't excellent. Advertisement Related: Phillies Continue to be Strongly Linked to Pair of Pirates Relievers Related: Phillies' Ranger Suarez Gets Massive New Contract Prediction This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pirates' Oneil Cruz made a 105mph throw from centerfield to nail a runner at the plate
There's nobody like Oneil Cruz. The Pittsburgh Pirates' star centerfielder proved that in a big way on Sunday. Needing to uncork maybe the most perfect outfield throw in baseball history to cut down a runner at home plate, that's what Cruz did. Advertisement He unleashed a 105.2 mile per hour laser on one hop to his catcher for a tag out. Who does that? Cruz is the only correct answer. MORE: Aaron Judge hit in the head by his own teammate He's a converted shortstop, and yet at his best, he can be a supreme outfielder. There are still plenty of flaws in Cruz's game, but his tools have never been in question. And anytime you need a reminder of that, just watch this throw. And watch it again. Goodness gracious. MORE MLB NEWS:
