Following the addition of Adolis García, Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said that the outfield is all but set for next year. García will be the team’s starting right fielder, prospect Justin Crawford will see playing time in center, and Brandon Marsh is expected to be a platoon player in left.
The Phillies will undoubtedly carry more than those three outfielders on the roster next season. They might find a bargain on the free agent market at some point this offseason. But currently, they have a range of players internally who will be in the running for a spot on the MLB roster come Opening Day.
Which players will compete for backup roles in spring training with the Phillies outfield? There are a few who have spent previous time with the organization, ranging from one to three years. Could any young outfield prospects besides Crawford make their MLB debut with Philadelphia next year?
5 players who will compete to play in the Phillies’ outfield in 2026Otto Kemp
Otto Kemp made his major league debut this year and showed his defensive versatility playing first, second, and third base in addition to left field. He compiled eight home runs, 28 RBIs, and a .234/.298/.411 line with an OPS of .709 in 62 games while playing through a broken knee cap.
Dombrowski said that he envisions Kemp platooning with Marsh in left field in 2026. The Fullerton, California, native could end up seeing more playing time in the outfield if he shows signs of improving on offense early in the season. It’s uncertain how good Kemp can be since he will be entering only his second year in the majors. His youth brings optimism that he can improve as a hitter next season.
Bryan De La Cruz
The Phillies signed Bryan De La Cruz to a minor league contract on Nov. 6. He’s expected to provide depth for the organization next year in Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Beginning in 2021, De La Cruz played with the Miami Marlins for two-plus seasons being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates at the 2024 trade deadline.
Since leaving the Marlins, the 29-year-old’s playing time in the majors has become more scarce. He played in 44 games with the Pirates last season and only 16 with the Atlanta Braves this year. The New York Yankees claimed him off waivers and he slashed .271/.340/.456 with 15 home runs and 48 RBIs in 91 games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Since signing with the Phillies, De La Cruz has looked good at the plate in Dominican Winter League action, slashing .302/.376/.519 with eight home runs and nine doubles in 45 games.
#ToroVideo Llegó la remolcada No. 20 de la temporada para Bryan de la Cruz pic.twitter.com/trvMGiRsnM
— Toros Del Este (@TorosdelEste) November 26, 2025Weston Wilson
Weston Wilson is known for his defensive versatility. He has spent time playing at first, second, and third in addition to all three outfield spots. The 31-year-old slashed just .198/.282/.369 with five home runs and 17 RBIs in 54 games with the Phillies in 2025.
If Wilson makes the Opening Day roster next year, he will provide depth defensively, specifically in left field, the position where he has played the most career games. However, he has no further options remaining, meaning the Phillies may lose him to another club if he is placed on waivers next season.
Atta way, Wes! pic.twitter.com/9S6nqezQoi
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 12, 2025Gabriel Rincones, Jr.
Gabriel Rincones Jr. impressed with his power when he was with the Phillies during spring training earlier this year. In 119 games in Triple-A, he hit .240/.370/.430 with 18 home runs and 73 RBIs.
Dombrowski mentioned Rincones during the Phillies’ end-of-season press conference as a player who could compete for a roster spot in 2026 in their outfield. He was one of three prospects added to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.
The 24-year-old has played 179 career contests in right field and 44 in left during his three seasons in the minors. Rincones could end up being a reserve to García or may compete with Marsh and Kemp for playing time in left field.
Rincones Jr. LAUNCHES his first Triple A homer!#ironpigs #ironpigsbaseball pic.twitter.com/W3rYuF0GtW
— Lehigh Valley IronPigs (@IronPigs) April 3, 2025Johan Rojas
Johan Rojas has the most previous experience on the Phillies roster compared with the other four players on this list. His first year in the majors came after a call-up during the 2023 season. The 25-year-old has impressed with his defensive ability in center field. However, his lack of consistency on offense has held him back from being a full-time player.
In 71 games in the majors this season, Rojas had one home run, 18 RBIs, and hit .224/.280/.289. The Phillies optioned him to Triple-A after trading for Harrison Bader this summer.
He has impressed in Dominican winter ball this offseason, leading to speculation that he could be a trade candidate this winter. If Rojas is still with the club by spring training, he will be a reserve candidate to Crawford in center field, but with a minor league option remaining could find himself biding his time with the IronPigs again.