The Philadelphia Phillies' best outfield option before the MLB trade deadline could be this one breakout star.
The Philadelphia Phillies desperately need outfield help before the MLB trade deadline, but the problem is that pickings may be relatively slim.
There aren't a whole lot of teams willing to sell right now, and the Phillies don't exactly have a ton of desirable assets.
Philadelphia has to do something, though, much like last year when it acquired Harrison Bader, and it ended up paying massive dividends.
So, who could be the 2026 version of Bader for the Phillies? And could it actually be one of Bader's current San Francisco Giants teammates?
Jung Hoo Lee seems to comprise one of the best potential options for Philadelphia between now and Aug. 3.
Lee is slashing .306/.334/.424 with five home runs and 33 RBI over 368 plate appearances this season. His 9.8 percent strikeout rate is very impressive, and while he certainly doesn't walk a whole lot, he makes enough contact to compensate for it.
The former KBO star is in his third big-league campaign after signing a six-year, $113 million contract with the Giants in December 2023.
San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee. Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images.Lee has shown improvement each year, and 2026 has absolutely represented a breakout season for the 27-year-old.
He isn't the greatest defender in the world, as he owns a minus-8 DRS and minus-4 OAA this season, but the Phillies need bats right now.
Of course, Lee wouldn't exactly come cheap seeing as his deal runs through 2029 with a player option after 2028. The Giants don't necessarily have to move him, but if they get the right return, they may pull the trigger.
That begs the question: does Philadelphia have enough to trade for Lee while still being able to fill its other holes in the bullpen and the starting rotation?
It's quite a quagmire for Dave Dombrowski, who is operating with a very thin farm system thanks to his years of trading. But the Phils need answers, and Lee could be one of the top guys available.
Lee's contract is pretty neutral. It isn't incredibly team-friendly, but it isn't an albatross, either. The Phillies have been monitoring their payroll pretty closely, so they'll have to decide if they are okay with incorporating Lee and his $23.25 million salary for 2027 (he is making the same amount here in 2026).
But with very few avenues to actually pursue over the next two weeks, Philadelphia may be wise to place a call to the Bay to see if Lee could be had.
