Over the next few weeks, we will take a look at free agents and trade candidates who, given the organization's direction, could fit with the Phillies in 2015 and beyond.
Colby Rasmus, CF
Age: 28
2014 stats with Toronto: .225/.287/.448, 18 HR, 40 RBI in 376 PA
In other free-agent years, Colby Rasmus might be an afterthought. He surely would be next winter, when Jason Heyward, Justin Upton and Yoenis Cespedes, among others, could be seeking new contracts.
But in the thin free-agent class of 2014-15, front offices seeking outfield help will either talk themselves into or out of pursuing the left-handed centerfielder.
Rasmus turned 28 in August, making him one of the youngest free agents on the market. For that reason, the Phillies should not ignore him, not as they seek to revamp their outfield, instill youth and improve the defense.
MLB
Rasmus was the 28th overall pick in 2005 and spent the first part of his career as a budding star in the St. Louis Cardinals' system. But off-the-field issues with manager Tony La Russa led to Rasmus' being traded to the Blue Jays at the 2011 deadline in an eight-player deal.
At the time, most analysts looked at that trade as a clear win for the Blue Jays — a buy-low of an intriguing talent. But in four years in Toronto, Rasmus didn't exactly impress. He hit .234 with a .295 OBP in 1,599 plate appearances with the Blue Jays, belting 66 home runs in 408 games. This past season, he performed so poorly at the plate that he lost his starting job.
But there are reasons to believe in Rasmus. He hit .276 with an .840 OPS and 22 homers in 2013. Back in 2010, he hit .276/.361/.498 for the Cardinals with 23 homers and 63 walks. From a centerfielder, that kind of offensive value stands out, even if it has been inconsistent.
Defensively, Rasmus is middle of the pack as far as centerfielders go. Considering the Phillies' starting CF the last two seasons could barely reach the pitcher's mound with his throws, Rasmus would be an upgrade in the field.
Rasmus made $7 million last season in his final year of arbitration eligibility. His next contract won't be a huge one because he hasn't earned it. He could be looking at something in the three-year, $30 million range. Rasmus would probably like to keep the deal to a shorter term so that he's still pretty young when he tests the market again. Ordinarily, a one-year deal would make sense, but that is not the case with next winter's star-studded outfield class shaping up.
If the Phillies move a few outfielders this offseason Rasmus could be on their radar. They are listening to offers on everyone on the roster, and that includes Revere and Marlon Byrd, who both had strong years in 2014.
Rasmus has flaws for sure, but it's interesting to compare his skills to Revere's and assess who offers the most value. Revere can spray the ball, set the table and run better, but Rasmus' power and throwing tools are superior. Of course, Rasmus would also be much pricier, and the years in which he'd cost more would be years the Phillies probably won't be contending.
Still, Rasmus is one of few free-agent position players in this class that shouldn't be automatically dismissed by the Phils, especially if they miss out on Yasmany Tomas.