The Philadelphia Phillies have options in center field in 2024. The team was platooning Brandon Marsh, Johan Rojas, and Cristian Pache depending on the matchup. Rojas and Marsh should be the two candidates for the job in 2024 and will likely platoon again depending on who’s on the mound for the opposing team. Rojas, known for being an incredible defender, has his problems at the plate. The 23-year-old hit .302 in the regular season but his two home runs and nine doubles don’t provide much. He also only walked five times in 149 at-bats, which is the biggest issue here. As we’re into the offseason, his top priority was fixing his swing and getting better offensively. Rojas called Kevin Long early in the offseason and told him he wanted to get better. He’s been working with the Phillies DR Coordinator, Manny Amador, according to the Inquirer. Alex Coffey of the Inquirer reported the following on what Long had to say: “He’s probably taking the most swings of anybody we have up to this point,” he said. “Some guys haven’t even gotten started.” When speaking of his adjustments, Long notes that there will be changes in the way his swing looks. “He’s really hard on his front side,” Long said. “He doesn’t really hold his body position well, and he goes hard forward. So, we really quieted down his load. Everything he does. Until he attacks, he should stay stacked more. You should see less head movement… He’s also a little bit wider. He’s staying into his legs better. He’s not jumping at the ball.” While Rojas will likely not be the every game center fielder with Marsh playing against righties, it’s important for him to get better. He hit .093 with an OPS of .277 in 43 at-bats during the 2023 postseason, putting light on the issues at the plate. If Philadelphia wants to win a World Series, Rojas has to improve. He recognizes that and is doing what it takes to complete that. “I think he’s moving and progressing about as well as I could ask for right now,” Long said. “In order for us to become a championship team, he’s going to need to do better in the playoffs. He knows that. That’s why he’s working so hard.” Copyright ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS
