The Philadelphia Phillies outfield will look very different in 2026. Harrison Bader left in free agency to join the San Francisco Giants, Nick Castellanos was released after four seasons as the team’s primary right fielder and Max Kepler remains unsigned after receiving an 80‑game suspension for testing positive for PEDs.
As a result, the Phillies will likely rely on prospect Justin Crawford and reclamation project Adolis Garcia, who signed a one‑year, $10 million deal this winter after being released by the Texas Rangers.
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One player who will remain in place and provide stability is Brandon Marsh. The 28‑year‑old left‑handed hitter was acquired from the Los Angeles Angels in 2022, and he is still under team control for two more seasons.
Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Brandon MarshNathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
Last year, Marsh appeared in 133 games and posted a .280 batting average, .342 on‑base percentage, .785 OPS, 11 home runs and 43 RBIs, giving the Phillies valuable production toward the bottom of the lineup.
Marsh is now preparing for his fifth season with the Phillies and had been playing regularly in spring training as he ramps up for Opening Day. However, he is now dealing with a setback.
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Marsh was not in the lineup on Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers, which stood out because many of the everyday starters were playing. After the game, an update clarified the situation.
According to Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Marsh jammed his hand into the ground during sliding practice on Tuesday and is dealing with inflammation and soreness. The Phillies are being cautious with his status, and he will not play for the rest of the week.
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This is significant because the Phillies’ outfield depth is thinner than usual and remains one of the biggest concerns entering the season. With so much uncertainty surrounding the corner outfield spots, keeping Marsh healthy is essential.
He is the only proven, reliable option in the group, and losing him for any extended period would put even more pressure on Crawford and Garcia, both of whom carry risk for different reasons.
The Phillies still have high expectations this year as they look to break through in the postseason after back‑to‑back early exits in the divisional round. Ensuring Marsh’s setback remains minor is an important part of that path.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.