The Phillies got a lot out of outfielder Jeff Francoeur in 2015. Well, not numbers-wise, necessarily. But, Francoeur provided some veteran leadership, and for the Phillies fans, a bit of excitement in an otherwise dull season. With the Phillies having a full outfield for 2016, Francoeur is looking for work, and he may have one team interested.
Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports:
Marlins are looking at a couple righthanded bats, including Jeff francoeur. Would be nice veteran add for clubhouse.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 11, 2016
The Phillies might have liked him back until they made a few moves.
As it stands now, the Phillies have outfielders Odubel Herrera, Aaron Altherr, Cody Asche, Peter Bourjos and Tyler Goeddel occupying five spots, typically the number of outfielders a team would carry. Darin Ruf needs a space on the roster, even if he platoons at first base with Ryan Howard, and Darnell Sweeney is a utility player who could play infield or outfield, if he begins the season with the Phillies and not AAA Lehigh Valley.
Interestingly, the Phillies have no minor league free agents with invites to Spring Training in the outfield position. The only other outfielder besides the aforementioned five on the 40-man roster is Roman Quinn. Nick Williams has been invited to Spring Training, but likely will only get a brief cup of coffee with the team in camp.
So, for the Phillies to have room on the roster for Francoeur, as some fans hope, is for the Phillies to trade Cody Asche, return Tyler Goeddel to the Rays, or decide that Bourjos is not worthy of a roster spot and is cut. But, for any of that to happen is far from a guarantee. Francoeur may get a better guarantee elsewhere.
