What's Happening?
The Philadelphia Phillies have signed outfielder Bryan De La Cruz to a minor league contract for the 2026 season, including an invitation to major league spring training. De La Cruz, who turns 29 in December,
previously played for the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves. Despite showing promise at the plate with 13 home runs in 2022 and 19 in 2023, his defensive performance has been a limiting factor. The Phillies hope to bolster their outfield depth with De La Cruz, who will need to improve his defense and plate approach to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster.
Why It's Important?
This signing reflects the Phillies' strategy to enhance their roster depth and address potential gaps in their outfield lineup. With the expected departure of Nick Castellanos, De La Cruz's performance during spring training will be crucial in determining his role in the team. His ability to improve defensively and refine his approach at the plate could provide the Phillies with a valuable asset. The move also highlights the team's focus on leveraging minor league contracts to explore potential talent without significant financial commitments.
