Official Done deal:The Phillies sign another veteran outfielder

The Phillies sign another veteran outfielder to compete for a bench spot.

The Phillies expanded their outfield options on Saturday by signing 30-year-old veteran Jordan Luplow to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training.

Luplow had recently been released by the Braves on Thursday, as they afforded him the opportunity to explore other prospects since he wasn’t slated to make their Opening Day roster.

As a right-handed hitter, Luplow has accrued big-league experience with six different teams over seven seasons, including stints with the Blue Jays and Twins in 2023. His most notable playing time occurred in 2019 with Cleveland, where he boasted a batting average of ..276, an on-base percentage of .372, and a slugging percentage of .551, along with 15 home runs and 15 doubles in 261 plate appearances. The Phillies

highlighted his distinction among active players for pitches seen per plate appearance (min. 1000) at 4.26, placing him just behind Max Muncy.

Regarding his defensive capabilities, metrics suggest he is average to slightly

above average. Luplow has split his time evenly between right field and left field, with some appearances in center field as well.

Luplow joins a group of outfielders competing for spots on the Phillies’ Opening Day roster. While Nick

Castellanos, Brandon Marsh, and Whit Merrifield are considered locks, other positions remain open for consideration.

Johan Rojas has received significant playing time this spring in the hopes of securing the everyday center field role

for the Phillies. However, his offensive performance has been lackluster, with a 5-for-35 record at the plate, one walk, and seven strikeouts.

Cristian Pache and Jake Cave remain on the roster and are both without minor-

league options, as is David Dahl. Meanwhile, Weston Wilson and Kody Clemens still have options available.

The decision regarding Johan Rojas impacts the makeup of the bench, as starting him in Triple-A instead of the majors could potentially allow for two

players to earn spots on the team from the pool of Pache, Cave, Luplow, Dahl, Wilson, Clemens, and Darick Hall, rather than just one.

The Rojas situation, along with the final bench spots and the last two bullpen positions, has been the primary sources

of intrigue for the Phillies in spring training, which is a positive development. With 11 more games left in

Florida and the conclusion of Grapefruit League play on March 25, the team is gearing up for the regular season opener at home against the Braves on March 28.

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