Phillies Face Looming Contract Decision As 5-Year Veteran Outfielder Surges
The Philadelphia Phillies, despite a recent surge, confront a significant outfield challenge as the trade deadline approaches. With their outfield offense struggling and new acquisition Adolis Garcia sidelined by injury, the team faces a crucial decision regarding veteran Bryan De La Cruz. Stashed in Triple-A on a minor-league contract, De La Cruz has experienced a remarkable power surge in June, becoming one of the International League's best hitters. His contract features a looming July opt-out, compelling the Phillies to either promote the 28-year-old to bolster their lineup or risk losing him to another organization. This pivotal choice comes as the Phillies aim to solidify their roster for a strong second-half push.
The Philadelphia Phillies have climbed back into contention by improving in several key areas after a harsh beginning to the season, but one roster question still lingers as the team heads into the trade deadline.
While the Phillies are enjoying a surge in the standings under interim manager Don Mattingly, the organization has also struggled to find offensive production from its outfielders. Most recently, that continual issue saw new acquisition Adolis Garcia go down with a season-ending injury.
And as the team evaluates its options to improve the outfield for the second half of the campaign, it will soon have to make a key decision on a surging veteran who has been stashed away in the minors.
After acquiring five-year big leaguer Bryan De La Cruz before the season, the Phillies have a decision to make as he contemplates a looming contract opt-out deadline.
“De La Cruz is on a minor-league contract and does not have an out until July,” as NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jim Salibsury reported earlier this year.
And with that opt-out window approaching this month, the Phillies may soon have to decide whether to promote the 28-year-old or risk losing him to another organization.
And the timing is notable as De La Cruz has dramatically improved at the plate following a slow start to the season.
“It is not a productive outfield; the Phillies have tinkered with the mix all season,” Matt Gelb noted for The Athletic. “They have stashed another veteran, Bryan De La Cruz, at Triple A all season. He had a strong spring training but followed it with an unproductive April in the minors. He’s been one of the best hitters in the International League in June, posting a .333/.429/.551 line in 91 plate appearances.”
That production comes at an ideal time for De La Cruz, whose contract situation means another organization could have interest if Philadelphia chooses not to create a roster spot before his July opt-out arrives.
De La Cruz has some meaningful major league experience after spending parts of five seasons in the big leagues before joining the Phillies organization, which included stops with the Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves.
“De La Cruz showed promise early in his career with Miami, hitting .269/.318/.430 with 18 homers, 27 doubles and a pair of triples in his first 574 plate appearances from 2021-22,” Steve Adams wrote for MLB Trade Rumors. “The righty-swinging De La Cruz has some power but an over-aggressive approach and suspect defensive skills in the corners.”
Those strengths and weaknesses remain part of his profile, but his recent performance has at least reopened the question about whether he deserves another opportunity in the majors. And it seems like the Phillies will have to answer that question in the near future.