As the Philadelphia Phillies look ahead to the 2026-27 offseason, their outfield configuration presents a clear opportunity for a targeted addition that prioritizes value over splash.
With Bryce Harper potentially remaining at first base rather than returning to right field full time, the projected starting group features Brandon Marsh in left, Justin Crawford in center, and Derek Hill in right, supported by Bryan De La Cruz in a reserve role.
That mix leans heavily left-handed and lacks the everyday right-handed presence that can balance lineups against opposing southpaws while remaining affordable under the Phillies’ already substantial payroll commitments.
Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller identified Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Alex Call as the prime target for just such a move, framing it as the pursuit of an inexpensive yet impactful outfielder.
Call, under team control for three more seasons through arbitration and projected to earn roughly $1.9 million in 2027, fits the profile of a low-cost player who can contribute without straining the highest cash payroll in the majors.
Miller noted that while Call struggled in 2026, he posted an .800 OPS across the 2024 and 2025 campaigns, suggesting the bat can rebound in a more regular role.
Call’s 2026 numbers reflected a part-time existence in Los Angeles, where he hit .233 with one home run and a .655 OPS in 163 at-bats. Yet his underlying strengths remain relevant for Philadelphia.
He has shown consistent on-base skills throughout his career, and his splits against left-handed pitching have been notably stronger than his overall line.
In recent seasons, he has served as a platoon or complementary piece capable of playing all three outfield spots, a versatility that would allow the Phillies to mix him with Marsh, Crawford, and Hill without forcing a rigid everyday assignment.
His modest salary also limits the luxury-tax penalty that would accompany a larger free-agent signing such as Randy Arozarena or Ian Happ.
Interest in Call is not new. Philadelphia previously inquired about him while he was with the Nationals, only to see him traded to the Dodgers at the 2025 deadline.
Returning him to the National League East would reunite the club with a player they have long viewed as a useful complementary piece rather than a centerpiece.
For the Dodgers, moving a reserve outfielder who saw limited postseason action could create roster flexibility amid their own depth in the outfield.
Whether the two sides can align on a modest return remains uncertain, and Call’s uneven 2026 performance means any acquisition carries a degree of projection.
Still, in an offseason where the Phillies must improve their outfield without significantly expanding an already elite payroll, a right-handed bat with three years of control and a track record of productive stretches offers a practical path forward that aligns closely with the parameters Miller outlined.
