The Philadelphia Phillies were disappointed in the 2024 postseason, losing to the New York Mets in the NL Division Series. Despite a roster filled with talented superstars, the team struggled to put it all together when it mattered most. Now that the 2025 season is just around the corner, the Phillies need to make some strategic moves in free agency.
While the team has its fair share of talent, there are still gaps that need to be filled, particularly in the power department. With several competitors making last-minute trades, Philadelphia must act quickly to secure MLB-caliber talent. Here are two players they should consider targeting to strengthen their lineup and bring additional power to the plate.
Kike Hernandez
Kike Hernandez has proven to be an invaluable asset for the Los Angeles Dodgers over the past few seasons. He got an extra plus for playing at multiple positions. Hernandez can play centerfield so can he play shortstop. This exciting composition makes him a perfect fit for the Phillies, who are looking to shore up their centerfield position.
"I just think it's just wonderful news"
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 6, 2025
Keith Hernandez shares his reaction to Pete Alonso re-signing with the Mets pic.twitter.com/ZbhGK2xMs6
Last season, Hernandez got the chance to replace his injured teammate and delivered a solid performance. The star outfielder perfectly adapted to the situation. The Phillies should look to sign Hernandez as he enters free agency. This will allow him to compete with Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas for the centerfield role at Spring Training.
If he secures the starting position, fans can expect reliable defense despite a modest offensive output. If he doesn’t claim the job, he can still serve as a dependable utility player, providing crucial support off the bench throughout the season.
J.D. Martinez
Another powerful option for the Phillies is JD Martinez. The Florida-born hitter is coming off a solid year with the New York Mets. His inclusion in the Mets lineup could inject much-needed power into the Phillies’ batting order, especially in the lower half. Martinez has all it takes to fill up the requirements, be it delivering long balls or anything else.
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With Kyle Schwarber already occupying the designated hitter role, Martinez’s presence could encourage Schwarber to take on more defensive responsibilities in the outfield. Though it might seem like a long shot with the current roster situation, Martinez’s potential to combine with the existing talent makes him an intriguing target.
JD Martinez will transition to playing professional pickleball when he retires from baseball pic.twitter.com/g6QD9gBax7
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) February 4, 2025
If Schwarber is willing to adapt and Martinez can fit into the lineup effectively, the duo would be a real offensive threat for the opponent.
As the Phillies approach the start of Spring Training, securing either of these two players could significantly impact their postseason aspirations. With the right additions, the team can hit the sweet spot to push closer to their goal of capturing a World Series title in 2025.
