Could Phillies Flip Kody Clemens For Outfield Depth?

Kody Clemens' game-tying solo home run (3) | 05/18/2024 | Philadelphia Phillies

 

The 2025 Philadelphia Phillies roster is fairly set, with just a handful of cuts remaining before Opening Day. Once finalized, the Phillies are expected to have six left-handed hitters, five of whom will be in the everyday lineup.

What to do with the sixth, however, is debatable.

Over the last two years, Kody Clemens has been a serviceable infield depth piece. He played a fair amount of first base in 2023 while Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins were both sidelined, then bounced up and down between Philadelphia and AAA last summer.

Over the last two years, Kody Clemens has been a serviceable infield depth piece. He played a fair amount of first base in 2023 while Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins were both sidelined, then bounced up and down between Philadelphia and AAA last summer.

Another issue is that stashing him back in the minors is no longer possible. Clemens is out of options, so either he makes the team or will be exposed to waivers, where the other 29 clubs all have a chance to add him to their rosters.

Philadelphia could also attempt to trade Clemens for something they could better use, such as another right-handed-hitting outfielder. Ironically, they lost that very thing in Matt Vierling when acquiring Clemens and left-hander Gregory Soto, who has since been traded to the Baltimore Orioles.

If this happened, it wouldn’t be an earth-shattering move, as Clemens would likely fetch another 20-something member of an MLB roster. However, a few situations could work.

The Kansas City Royals should only have four lefty bats, so they have room to add one more. Dairon Blanco plays all three outfield spots (primarily left) and hit .317 (20-for-63) against lefties last year, but he’s down the depth chart in Kansas City, with younger players like Joey Weimer and Nelson Velázquez in line for utility spots.

The Texas Rangers are also a bit light on lefties but have their outfield pretty set. Veteran Kevin Pillar, a non-roster invitee, hit .310 against lefties between the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Angels in 2024, and he’s always been a plus defender.

Those are just two suggestions-similar opportunities may arise as clubs finalize their Opening Day rosters. This isn’t a move the Phillies should feel pressured to make for the sake of it, but it is one they should consider.

While the currently injured Weston Wilson could soon provide that extra righty bat to balance the bench, they can at least ask around for other options.

 

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