Have the Phillies Identified a Kiermaier Alternative?

The Phillies were pursuing a Tampa Bay Rays outfielder prior to the MLB lockout. Could they have found an alternative?

Kade Kistner | Feb 7, 2022

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Prior to the MLB lockout that occurred on Dec. 2, the Philadelphia Phillies were reportedly speaking with the Tampa Bay Rays about center fielder Kevin Kiermaier.

The longtime Ray could be moved, as his salary of just over $12 million in 2021 and $13 million in 2023, with a buyout option for the 2023 season, may not fit Tampa's payroll goals.

However, MLB Trade Rumors suggested that if the Rays refuse to move on from their franchise icon, Manuel Margot could be a potential fit. With just one year left on his deal and Margot being a natural center fielder, the Phillies just might be interested.

Of course by adding Margot, if Philadelphia does not re-sign or extend him, he will be a free agent after the upcoming 2022 MLB season. In which case, Margot could end up as just a one-year rental, which doesn't help solve the future of the position.

Yet, if Margot were to find his way to Philadelphia, he would improve the position on both defense and at the plate. In 2021, Margot slashed .254/.313/.382 with 10 home runs in 464 plate appearances.

When on the field playing center, Margot boasted three defensive runs saved, one more than Odúbel Herrera during the 2021 MLB season. However, Margot's career DRS is significantly much more consistent than Herrera's. In the last three years, Margot has averaged 7 DRS compared to Herrera's -7.

However, as MLBTR points out, he may not fit well on the Phillies as an everyday center fielder. Whereas if Kiermaier were to be moved, he could be passable as their center fielder.

Regardless, Philadelphia will need to explore every option when it comes to fixing their hole in center. If they can address the leadoff hitter situation in one fell swoop, that would be even more ideal.

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Published Feb 7, 2022

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.