Major League Baseball has handed down an 80-game suspension to Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas after he tested positive for Boldenone, a performance-enhancing drug. This decision comes after Rojas' appeal process concluded, and he will begin serving his suspension at the start of the 2026 season.
Rojas, now 25, has been a staple in Philadelphia’s center field over the past three seasons. Renowned for his defensive prowess and base-stealing capabilities, his offensive numbers have been less impressive. Since 2024, Rojas has posted a .237/.279/.312 batting line, which translates to a wRC+ of 64, indicating he's been 36% below league average at the plate.
Given these offensive struggles, the Phillies have already been looking to bolster their center field options. Last season, they brought in Harrison Bader at the trade deadline. Although Bader is now a free agent, the team is gearing up to hand the reins to prospect Justin Crawford.
Rojas might have started the 2026 season as a valuable fourth outfielder or potentially seen regular action in the minors. With Crawford facing the challenge of major league pitching for the first time, Rojas could have served as a reliable speed-and-defense option. However, his suspension rules him out for the first half of the season, and those with PED suspensions are ineligible for postseason play.
The Phillies now find themselves in a bit of a bind regarding center field depth. While left fielder Brandon Marsh has some experience in center, his defensive capabilities might be stretched.
Pedro León is another option, though he only has seven major league games under his belt. Dylan Moore, a utility player with limited center field experience, isn't currently on the roster but could be tapped for a versatile bench role.
As Opening Day approaches, there’s potential for roster changes. With teams finalizing their lineups, some players may become available via waivers or free agency. The Phillies could seize this opportunity to enhance their center field depth in the coming weeks.