The Philadelphia Phillies are in dire need of outfield help, and they just watched as a potential trade target in Taylor Ward flew off the board. Where else can they turn?

Well, Matt Gelb of The Athletic has posed a rather intriguing possibility for the Phillies: Houston Astros outfielder Jake Meyers.

"One name to file away: Astros center fielder Jake Meyers, a righty hitter, who might be squeezed out of Houston’s outfield plan," Gelb wrote. "Meyers, considered a strong defender, does not hit for power. But he could be a decent alternative to Harrison Bader — if he lands elsewhere. Houston is fielding calls on Meyers."

Meyers missed a good chunk of 2025 due to a calf injury, but during his time on the field, he slashed .292/.354/.373 with three home runs and 24 RBI over 381 plate appearances. He also played terrific outfield defense, registering a plus-6 DRS and plus-9 OAA.

There are definitely some things to like about Meyers.

He is 29 years old, so he isn't incredibly young, but he is under team control through 2027 and has always been a phenomenal defensive player. His walk rate also jumped to 8.1 percent in 2025, well above his career average of seven percent.

Plus, Meyers would come fairly cheap in a trade, so the Phillies wouldn't have to worry about giving up Aidan Miller or Andrew Painter in a potential trade.

Is Meyers going to be anyone's favorite solution? No, but in a very thin outfield market in free agency, Philadelphia may not have much of a choice.

Meyers showed considerable improvement at the plate this past season, and we know he is a plus defender, so if his offense continues its upswing, he could ultimately become a very valuable contributor for the Phillies.

And while the University of Nebraska product is primarily a center fielder, he is capable of playing all three outfield positions.

With both Bader and Max Kepler hitting the open market, Philadelphia certainly has to address its outfield, and Meyers could end up representing one of the most realistic options.

I know Phillies fans want Kyle Tucker, but it just doesn't seem all that plausible right now.