Phillies Boss Reports Hints On Center Fielder Youngster As Will Be Starting Center Fielder
Following a disastrous 2023 season, the Philadelphia Phillies were considering every option to strengthen their squad to capture their first World Series championship since 2008.
Possibly beginning Johan Rojas in the minor leagues was one of them.
Since Rojas’s arrival last summer drastically altered the Phillies’ outfield defense, Dave
Dombrowski’s comment has garnered a lot of attention.
Instead of playing left field, Kyle Schwarber was shifted to designated hitter so that Brandon Marsh could fill it and Rojas could use his speed in center field.
After being called up, the 23-year-old had 15 defensive runs saved and a defensive bWAR of 1.7, making him one of the finest defenders in the league. However, he was a liability at the bat throughout the postseason.
Upon completion, his slash line stood at.093/.114/.163, with just four hits and fifteen strikeouts.
Dombrowski said that Rojas may begin the season in the minors as a result of that performance, even though he finished the regular season with a slash line of.302/.342/.430, 45 hits, two home runs, and 23 RBI.
But Philadelphia doesn’t concentrate on that part of the schedule. They need guys who can perform well in the postseason if they want to win a title. But it appears that Dombrowski is coming around to Rojas after making a thought-provoking remark on 94 WIP.
“Probably in the affirmative. Without a doubt, no. I believe the response would be in the affirmative. I’ve had extensive conversations with our hitting personnel on his development over the winter; he’s put in a lot of effort and made the necessary changes,” he remarked. The Phillies will be happy with this news.
