The Phillies have made no bones about wanting to upgrade the outfield—particularly center field —and now it appears they may be looking toward the Rocky Mountains for help.
According to Rockies Insider Ari Alexander, the Phillies are among several clubs that have contacted the Colorado Rockies regarding center fielder Brenton Doyle.
Doyle, 27, is arguably one of the most intriguing defensive outfielders in baseball. He comes with five years of club control and has already built a reputation as one of the sport’s premier defensive center fielders. For a Phillies team that has struggled with outfield range and consistency, that alone makes him a legitimate target.
But Doyle isn’t just a glove-first player. In 2024, he delivered a breakout offensive campaign, slashing .260/.317/.446 with 23 home runs and 73 RBI across 149 games. That performance positioned him as a rising two-way contributor and raised expectations heading into 2025.
However, like much of the Rockies roster, Doyle took a step back in 2025, finishing with a .233/.274/.376 slash line, 15 homers, and a .650 OPS. The regression raises questions about which version of Doyle a team is acquiring, but it’s clear why the Phillies would be interested. Even in a down year, his elite defensive metrics and athleticism remained intact, and the club would be banking on his ability to rebound offensively in a more balanced hitting environment.
For the Phillies, the pursuit of Doyle fits a familiar pattern: prioritize defense, athleticism, and controllable years while still searching for upside at the plate. Whether the Rockies are willing to move him—and what the cost might be—remains to be seen, but Philadelphia’s interest is real.