The Philadelphia Phillies’ outfield has been a mismanaged disaster this season, especially after Adolis Garcia’s shoulder injury further complicated the issue. Garcia is likely out for the remainder of the season after tearing his right lat muscle.
Despite all the doom and gloom surrounding the Phillies’ outfield — outside of Brandon Marsh, who has played well enough to potentially earn a starting spot on the National League All-Star roster — one recently DFA’d player could help elevate the Philadelphia bench: Trey Mancini.
Trey Mancini should be Philadelphia’s first call
Mancini signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Angels in January. After hitting .273 in 52 games at Triple-A, the team called him up in early June. Mancini played in just five games, going 4-for-13 with a triple and 4 RBI before the team designated him for assignment on June 17.
That stretch marked Mancini’s first time in the big leagues since 2023, when he played in 79 games with the Chicago Cubs. The 34-year-old will likely clear waivers and reach free agency.
Enter the Phillies, who have been looking for a right-handed bat who can play the outfield and offer some power potential. Mancini fits those needs, having played 212 career games in left field and 105 in right field, plus another 319 at first base.
No longer an everyday player like he was with the Orioles early in his career — Mancini averaged 27 2B, 28 HR, and 77 RBI a year from 2017 through 2019 before missing the entire 2020 season after being diagnosed with colon cancer — he can still be a bat off the bench that would allow the Phillies to get their stars off their feet more often. Mancini’s ability to handle first base would allow the team a little more flexibility in letting Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper DH.
Notably, Mancini also brings some balance to the lineup with equal career splits against right-handers and left-handers, hitting .263 against each (2292 PA vs. RHP, 1104 PA vs. LHP).
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has spoken about wanting to add another veteran to the locker room. Mancini, who won a World Series in 2022 with the Astros, would help bring another proven leader to the locker room.