“What he have here is a failure to communicate.” That was the situation in Clearwater on Thursday when Bryan Rincon and Keaton Anthony collided on a routine flyball to left. The result was Yoeilin Cespedes circling the bases for Boston’s second run of the day. The play was ruled a four-base error on Rincon, the shortstop. The ball clearly was Anthony’s to play, but the product of the University of Iowa is learning – or relearning to play in the outfield. Neither player appeared to call for the ball, so it’s likely that Rincon thought Anthony wasn’t going to get there and continued to play the ball.
The Phillies told Anthony late last season that he may be a candidate to learn the outfield. The 24-year-old played 41 games in right field at Iowa in 2022, but that was the last time that he was in the outfield. The move makes sense. Anthony has a strong bat and good offensive upside, but as a first baseman he is blocked by Bryce Harper. Rather than let him die on the vine or deal him elsewhere, the Phillies are working on giving him some added versatility.
The outfield has been something of a work in progress for Philadelphia. They have Adolis Garcia in right, who has struggled the past couple of seasons after having a career year in 2023 — 39-107-.245/.328/.508/.836 — with the Texas Rangers. Justin Crawford‘s abilities in center field have been well debated, but he is set. The only question is whether he might move to left field at some point in his career. Left field appears set to be a platoon with Brandon Marsh playing against right-handed pitchers and Otto Kemp the likely candidate to play against lefties. Johan Rojas is likely to be lost for 80 games due to a PED violation leaving him out of the equation. Anthony, who is a right-handed hitter, would give the Phillies a little extra insurance.
SCOUTING REPORT: Keaton Anthony
Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic noted the change in a notes column posted Friday morning (subscription required and suggested). Varnes spoke with Phillies outfield coach Paco Figueroa who noted that there aren’t any glaring issues with Anthony, but he needs reps and some game time to refresh himself on playing the outfield.
In 82 games between Double-A and Triple-A last season, Anthony hit six home runs and drove in 39 with a line of: .323/.378/.484/.862. The Phillies believe Anthony may develop a little more power, but not the type necessary to fit in with the norms for first basemen in the majors. The addition of left field would help fit better with typical numbers put up by left fielders.
