The Philadelphia Phillies haven’t had a competent two-way or defensive-minded centerfielder since I don’t know when. Shane Victorino? It certainly feels that way. With the current happenings of the team, Odubel Herrara, Mickey Moniak, and Matt Vierling aren’t going to cut it in center. No slight to Vierling as he proved to be a valuable asset in many positions. 

It was mainly showing disdain for Herrara and Moniak’s play this season. The Phillies need to upgrade the centerfield position to compensate for the below-average corner outfield defense. Philly needs the quarterback of the outfield in centerfield to set the tone and make up for his teammates. Here we’ll talk a little about five centerfielders the Phillies should target at the trade deadline. 

Prime suspect number one is Kansas City Royals outfielder Andrew Benintendi. Benintendi is probably the most popular trade target on the internet for the Phillies. The 27-year-old is coming off his first All-Star appearance. Benintendi so far this season has played 87 games, with a .317 batting average, .386 on-base, slugging .401, 102 hits, 3 homers, 37 runs scored, 37 RBI, 14 doubles, and 37 walks. 

The Royals outfielder is under contract until after the 2023 season. That could jack up the trading price for the All-Star but could be well worth it. A player in his prime years who plays the position needed for the Phillies and has major postseason experience for a team desperately gunning for the postseason. 

The second option is more of a pure centerfielder. Benintendi’s teammate Michael A. Taylor. Some Phillies fans remember Taylor from his days playing with the Washington Nationals. Taylor has played in 64 games slashing .264/.340/.385, has 55 hits, 5 home runs, 26 runs scored, 24 RBI, and 24 walks. 

Taylor is more of a classic bottom-of-the-order centerfielder. Certainly, he can add to the lineup with his bat but his glove is his best quality. The type of sure-handed, ground-covering centerfielder the Phillies franchise has been lacking. 

Next up for his short try-out to us is the Seattle Mariner’s Mitch Haniger. Haniger has only played in nine games this season due to a high ankle sprain. Not exactly a person you want to trade for. Especially if he’ll be patrolling your centerfield. 

Haniger is coming off a great 2021 season where he played in 157 games, slashed .253/.318/.485, had 157 hits, scored 110 runs, 23 doubles, 39 homers, 100 RBI, and 54 walks. Now, why would the Mariners want to trade him? Well, the team went into the All-Star break winners of 14 straight and Haniger is a free agent after the season. The Phillies could pounce on his low value and pray for the best with his ankle roaming centerfield. 

The next option is certainly a long shot but Dave Dombrowski does have a track record of taking big swing moves. Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles is behind door number four as a trade target. Mullins is certainly in the top ten more popular names to be in trade rumors this upcoming deadline. Well within reason as well. 

The 27-year-old has played 90 games, slashed .256/.317/.383, has 93 hits, 23 doubles, 7 homers, 36 RBI, 27 walks, and 19 stolen bases. Mullins’ speed in the outfield and on the base paths can greatly affect the Phillies. The Phillies’ high-powered offense would reap the benefits of a smart, fast, athletic baserunner in Mullins. But like I said, this one is a long shot. 

The fifth and final option is another underdog-type deal. No one would expect it and that is the acquisition of Pittsburgh Pirates centerfielder Bryan Reynolds. Reynolds, another 27-year-old, is in the prime of his career and is a hot commodity among playoff and World Series contending teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, Padres, and Red Sox. 

Some tough competition there but the Phillies would still be negotiating against the Pirates, who would like to maximize the value of an in-prime stud like Reynolds. Reynolds was a first-time All-Star last season and this year has been a solid player once again. Reynolds can cover ground with the best of them and is quite the hitter. Reynolds is slashing .261/.343/.465, played 83 games, has 79 hits,  11 doubles, 15 home runs, 32 RBI, and 35 walks. 

The Philadelphia Phillies definitely need to make some type of move to improve one of the most crucial positions on the field in centerfield. If I were to guess, like I said, don’t hold your breath for Mullins or Reynolds. Start learning about Benintendi, Taylor, Haniger, or other lower cost prospects due to the Phillies’ unwillingness to part with valued assets or just the lack thereof.