MLB Analyst Believes Phillies Could Sign Intriguing OF Target

The Philadelphia Phillies are entering an interesting offseason following another disappointing ending to the 2026 season.

Philadelphia is now looking for more help to add to the roster, with the offense being a priority for the team, following an inconsistent performance this past season. The Phillies have to address this by giving the group more firepower as the long regular season goes on.

As the Phillies' brass looks around the league for more help this winter, outfielder Taylor Ward has become a potential option. Ward spent time with the Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners this past season, with the veteran putting up an interesting season.

Between the two teams, Ward hit .225 with seven home runs and 37 RBIs, while posting an OPS of .670. Ward had a down season, especially with the power, as the veteran had hit 36 home runs the year prior with the Los Angeles Angels.

Philadelphia could elect to bring in Ward on more of a prove-it type of deal, giving him a chance to earn another contract. Ward may be open to joining the Phillies, giving him a chance to play for a contending team in 2027.

MLB analyst Paul Hembekides discussed the idea of Ward signing with the Phillies when speaking to insider Buster Olney about free-agent predictions. Hembekides has predicted that the Phillies will land Ward this offseason to bolster the outfield for next season.

Ward's upside could be intriguing for the Phillies, especially if he can rekindle the power that he had from 2025. Putting him into the lineup alongside Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and others could give Philadelphia a lot to work with.

The veteran could use a change of scenery, and he was much more patient at the plate this past season. This contributed to his lack of power, with Ward not swinging as much at pitches in the zone.

For the Phillies, adding a talent like Ward could help the lineup be much stronger, and he could provide them with new energy. Philadelphia desperately needs a spark for the 2027 season, and Ward could be just what the team has been missing.

His bat could be nice, but adding an outfielder like Ward could also help the team short up a spot for the year. Overall, if Ward is willing to take a smaller contract, the Phillies could be one of the better landing spots for the veteran going forward.