Larry Henry JrThe Philadelphia Phillies will have a new look to their outfield in 2022.
Outfielders Andrew McCutchen and Odubel Herrera saw contract options declined, the team announced Wednesday night. The Phillies exercised a $3 million buyout for McCutchen, while also exercising a $2.5 million buyout for Herrera.
McCutchen, a veteran outfielder, is now a free agent, while the Phillies still retain the rights to Herrera, who is eligible for salary arbitration. They have until 8 p.m. ET on December 2 to tender Herrera a contract for 2022, otherwise he will also become a free agent.
The 35-year-old McCutchen batted .222 with 27 home runs, 80 RBIs and a .778 OPS in 574 plate appearances this season. He also had a 109 OPS+, meaning his production was 9% better than league average and he also posted a 1.027 OPS against left-handed pitchers.
Herrera, 29, batted .260 last season with 13 home runs, 51 RBIs, a .726 OPS and a 95 OPS+ in 492 plate appearances. He showed solid moments at times in his return to the big leagues, but still the Phillies have plenty of other holes on their roster to focus on.
With McCutchen and possibly Herrera gone, the Phillies will have plenty of decisions to make regarding their outfield. National League MVP candidate Bryce Harper remains one of the best at his position, but he will need help if the Phillies want to be a contender in the N.L. East in 22′.
Adam Haseley, Travis Jankowski, Mickey Moniak, Roman Quinn and Matt Vierling are the only other outfielders on the 40-man roster. Vierling showed promising moments down the final stretch of the regular season in 21′ while Moniak and Quinn remain younger options.
The Phillies finished 82-80 in 21′, six-and-a-half games behind eventual division and World Series winners, Atlanta.
You can follow Larry Henry on Twitter (@lhenry019) and e-mail him at [email protected].
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