The Philadelphia Phillies are making waves in Major League Baseball as they march into June with the best winning percentage across the league and leading the National League. They've been on a hot streak, winning nine out of their last ten series, which has them sitting comfortably with the seventh-best run differential in baseball. What's been impressive is the comprehensive strength of the team: a dominant starting rotation, a rejuvenated offense, and a bullpen that has made significant improvements after a rocky start.
However, even successful teams like the Phillies might consider shaking things up as the trade deadline looms on July 31. Surprisingly, a few names might be on the table as potential trade pieces, including Brandon Marsh.
The story of Brandon Marsh with the Phillies is one of initial promise met with some unfulfilled expectations. Acquired from the Los Angeles Angels back in 2022 for top catching prospect Logan O’Hoppe, Marsh was brought in to fill an immediate need in the outfield. At the time, he was 24 and seen as a potential long-term fixture.
Fast forward to today, and while O’Hoppe has become a significant player for the Angels, Marsh hasn't quite reached those anticipated heights with the Phillies. Known for his dynamic look and charismatic personality, he quickly became a fan favorite. Yet, the on-field performance has struggled to match the off-field popularity.
Marsh had a strong start with the Phillies, hitting .288 and contributing 14 extra-base hits in just 41 games during the Phillies' 2022 World Series run. He followed that up with a solid 2023 season, posting a .277 average with personal bests in doubles, triples, and RBI.
But 2024 proved challenging for Marsh, who batted just .249 over 135 games, with notable rough patches including a 0-for-23 and a 0-for-18 slump. The 2025 season hasn't been much kinder, as through 36 games, Marsh's statistics are hovering at a .220/.308/.308 slash line and a .616 OPS.
Injuries have also played a role, with a hamstring issue sidelining him and providing a chance to recalibrate in Triple-A. While he returned strong, initially hitting .467, consistency remains elusive — he’s batting just .154 in recent games.
The Phillies had aspirations of Marsh being a cornerstone in their outfield, but instead, he's been more suited to a platoon role. With Johan Rojas showing strides at the plate this year and top prospect Justin Crawford making a case for a call-up from Triple-A, Marsh's position seems less secure.
Still harboring two years of team control, Marsh won't hit free agency until 2028, adding to his allure for teams seeking outfield depth. His trade value could be pivotal for the Phillies to acquire an impactful player as they aim to bolster their roster for the postseason push.
