Apex Scores Lite Apex Scores Lite flag
back Voltar
3 Outfielders Phillies Can Pursue Who Didn’t Receive Qualifying Offer

Qualifying offers complicate things for the Philadelphia Phillies, but these three outfielders who didn't receive one can still help.

Sep 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Taylor Ward (27) is walked to first base in the fourth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Richard Dizon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It is no secret that the Philadelphia Phillies need to find some help for their outfield this offseason.

In 2026, their outfielders collectively had an underwhelming season. After an All-Star first half, Brandon Marsh was the least productive hitter in baseball in the second half. Justin Crawford showed flashes during his rookie season, but not enough to be considered an everyday player yet.

Bryce Harper isn’t playing right field in 2027, opening a corner outfield spot. The Phillies need at least one, if not two, outfielders this offseason. Fans would love Randy Arozarena or Seiya Suzuki, but they were extended qualifying offers, which complicates things for Philadelphia.

Draft compensation and $1 million international pool money would have to be surrendered. If the franchise determines that isn’t feasible, they could pivot to some of these outfielders who didn’t receive qualifying offers.

Ian Happ

Sep 4, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ (8) runs toward third base against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It would be hard to envision Ian Happ not patrolling left field in Wrigley Field, but that could be the case in 2027 and beyond. A free agent, he should have a relatively strong market despite a drop in batting average and a spike in strikeouts in 2026.

His body of work and track record speak for themselves. He would provide the Phillies with a source of power, hitting at least 17 home runs in six straight seasons, five of which he hit at least 21. Happ has a .341 career on-base percentage, which would be a massive boost for Philadelphia.

Arguably the most important thing is his defense. A four-time Gold Glove Award winner, he would provide a major boost in the field. The Phillies were abysmal defensively in 2026, and that has to change moving forward.

With six consecutive seasons of 148+ games played, Happ is a reliable option for an outfield short on such players.

Taylor Ward

Taylor Ward is someone that Philadelphia fans are familiar with because he has been linked to the team previously as a trade target. Now a free agent, he should be on their radar again.

He completely changed his approach at the plate in 2026 compared to previously in his career, with a .383 on-base percentage with the Baltimore Orioles before he was traded to the Seattle Mariners, where his numbers plummeted. Alas, it came at the expense of his power production, hitting only seven home runs after launching a career-high 36 the previous year.

Either version of Ward, the on-base one or the slugging one, would help the Phillies. Can he find a blend of both to offer the most value? He would be their target on a one-year stopgap in a similar vein to Max Kepler and Adolis Garcia the last two offseasons.

Tyrone Taylor

Sep 30, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Tyrone Taylor (55) hits a single in the eighth inning against the San Diego Padres during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The market for Tyrone Taylor is going to be a fascinating one. Will any team be willing to offer him a full-time job, not just as a platoon player?

He enters the market on a high note after an incredible stretch with the Chicago Cubs following the trade deadline. Taylor had a .351/.390/.500 slash line in 82 plate apperances with one home run, eight doubles, 10 RBI and three stolen bases after hitting 10 home runs with the New York Mets before the trade.

Capable of playing all three outfield spots, Taylor is strongest in left field and more than capable in center field. That versatility would be key for Philadelphia, giving them someone to pair with Crawford and Marsh along with Derek Hill.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

You may like

Phillies Are Reportedly Prioritizing One Area of Lineup To Upgrade

si.com 27 minutos atrás

Angels Rumors: Why J.P. Crawford is a Great Free Agent Fix for Second Base

si.com 2 horas atrás

Mariners hire 36-year-old Jason Kanzler as new manager after disappointing season

foxnews.com 3 horas atrás

Dark horse destinations for Tarik Skubal, Jazz Chisholm and more top MLB free agents

fansided.com 23 minutos atrás

Hometown Remix Jerseys; Grading All Lightning Alternate Jerseys

aol.com 58 minutos atrás

Carolina Hurricanes at Nashville Predators: Game Central, How To Watch, Injury Updates

si.com 2 horas atrás

Red Sox's Trade Wishlist Emerges, Including Elly De La Cruz

si.com 1 hora atrás

Everything Cardinals Fans Need to Know About Eduardo Rivera After Trade with Red Sox

si.com 28 minutos atrás

Red Sox Fans Have Reason to Keep Close Eye on Kaima Taira

si.com 27 minutos atrás

Brewers Cut Ties With Two Veterans, Including Fan Favorite Slugger

si.com 2 horas atrás