The Philadelphia Phillies are once again World Series contenders despite sitting four-and-a-half games behind the New York Mets for first place in the National League East.
Philadelphia still holds the third NL wild card spot by one game over the St. Louis Cardinals.
However, the Phillies outfield has been dreadful at the plate except for right fielder Nick Castellanos.
Max Kepler, the everyday left fielder, has just six home runs and 21 RBI while slashing .208/.295/.365 in 59 games.
Centerfielders Johan Rojas and Brandon Marsh have combined for only three home runs and 26 RBI while slashing .231/.311/.323.
According to CBS Sports, the answer to this problem could be solved internally ahead of the trade deadline.
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Top outfield prospect Justin Crawford has lit up minor league pitching and could provide the Phillies with a needed jolt.
Crawford, 21, is the son of former four-time All-Star Carl Crawford. There are lots of similarities between the two, mainly contact and speed.
In Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Crawford has just one home run but has driven in 26 runs and is slashing an astonishing .349/.416/.448 in 52 games.
He has 23 stolen bases and would be another base-stealer for the Phillies should the team give him the call.
Philadelphia is tied for sixth in Major League Baseball with 58 stolen bases, so adding another threat would make the team that much better.
The Phillies should be in the market for relievers, but outfield production might be the bigger need. The good news for Philadelphia is that the answer is already in the organization.
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