Report: Phillies’ ‘keeping an eye’ on Oakland A’s Brent Rooker

While the Philadelphia Phillies enter Sunday's rubber match with the Atlanta Braves 9-games up in the standings, they know big picture, they probably need reinforcements.

The teams outfield production has been dismal this season, with platoons in left and center field trying to mask the deficiencies in those spots. Right fielder Nick Castellanos hasn't been a model of consistently either (though much better since May 1), adding to the need for outfield offense.

The mix of David Dahl, Whit Merrifield and Christian Pache just hasn't gotten it done. Brandon Marsh has struggled against lefties and we all know Johan Rojas isn't out there for his bat, but the team is much better with him in the lineup.

The Phillies have been linked to a few outfield names, but add a new one of the mix, per USA Today's Bob Nightengale, is 2023 All-Star Brent Rooker of the Oakland A's.

The Philadelphia Phillies are keeping a close eye on Oakland A’s left fielder Brent Rooker. The Phillies rank 26th in OPS among left fielders this season.

The 29-year old left fielder would had a right-handed power bat to the Phillies outfield mix, with 18 home runs to date and 30 of the last season for the A's.

He would also be attractive to the team because he has three seasons of cheap team control after the 2024 season.

While he is a right-handed power bat, like most power hitters, he is has alot of swing-and-miss tendencies, making him prone to long slumps.

He is also more of a DH then left fielder, so the Phillies would need to decide how important his bat would be, and how much they would have to give up to get him.

At 29, he might be had for a lesser prospect then it would take to get another player often mentioned, Luis Robert form Chicago.

The MLB trade deadline is July 30.