Report: Phillies “Less Inclined” To Trade Brandon Marsh

Names like Alec Bohm, Ranger Suarez, Nick Castellanos, and more have been floated around the trade market this offseason, but one young player seems to be staying in red pinstripes for 2025.

Matt Gelb of The Athletic does the Phillies Therapy podcast with Paul Boye, and noted on the most recent episode that the Phils are “less inclined” to trade outfielder Brandon Marsh.

Here’s what Gelb had to say, transcribed by Destiny Lugardo of Phillies Nation:

“The one thing I did hear recently — and I think this is pretty good information — is that they are less inclined to move Marsh. Marsh is a guy that’s not as available, I guess I would say, as some of the other guys. Not that they wouldn’t trade him if the right offer came around. That stands for everybody. I think he’s less among that group of guys that they are more active in trying to sell. … I think it’s more about the centerfield situation than anything. Obviously, there are no free agent center fielders and trading for a center fielder is probably, I don’t want to say impossible, but unwise given the value or the price that may be put on other center fielders. Their inclination to keep Marsh is more about the other center field options than anything. More than likely, barring a massive surprise, you’re probably looking at a Marsh/Rojas combo in center field with an upgrade in left, hypothetically.”  

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard, “The Phillies are going to shake things up this offseason,” I’d have a lot more money than I currently do. But it’s true. They aren’t happy with how the last two seasons have ended. They know there are holes in this lineup, guys who swing and miss too much, and players who aren’t in this team’s future.

Alec Bohm has been the big name so far this offseason. Multiple teams have checked in on Bohm’s availability, and it seems he’s the most likely Phillies starter to be moved right now. The 28-year-old had great numbers with runners in scoring position this past season and went back-to-back seasons with 97 RBIs. Multiple teams across baseball could use a bat like Bohm, although a Monday report from Bob Nightengale stated that the White Sox were a little hesitant about Bohm because of his 2nd half.

I agree with Gelb here. I don’t think it makes much sense to trade Brandon Marsh. He offers versatility; he’s an above-average defender and was named a Gold Glove finalist a few weeks back. He’s 26 years old and still on a small contract.

Conversely, Brandon Marsh must improve his bat this offseason, especially the swing-and-miss rate. He struck out at an alarming rate last season for a contact hitter, 154 times in 476 plate appearances. His 32.4 strikeout percentage was in the bottom 3% of Major League Baseball. He hit just .192 with a .552 OPS against left-handed pitching.

Brandon Marsh brings a spark to this team that not many guys have in them. No, he’s not the perfect baseball player. He’s not even close. But having a confident guy like Marsh in your outfield, and sometimes as a bat off the bench, isn’t seen much in baseball. I know everyone hates this word, but he brings “vibes.” I’ve repeatedly stressed that vibes matter, and it’s true, especially for a position (CF) where you don’t get a ton of production around the league in the first place.

Ideally, you find a big bat for left field and have Marsh/Rojas split time in CF. If Marsh starts hitting lefties at a higher clip, he plays more than Rojas. If not, you have a tremendous defensive split with fairly good hitting for CF based on league averages.

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