Major League Baseball

Phillies Free Agency Target: Outfielder Colby Rasmus

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Jul 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros right fielder Colby Rasmus (28) bats during a game against the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

With MLB free agency rapidly approaching, we’ll discuss all the Phillies options over the course of the offseason. Now, let’s focus on a power-hitting outfielder with some sneaky value.

We’re nowhere close to done with analyzing potential targets for the Phillies this offseason. The club sits in a perfect position to add talent, in an offseason that will be loaded with medium-to-low risk players available.

For what the club should be looking for, Houston Astros outfielder Colby Rasmus is a player that makes sense for the Phils.

Coming off a season in which Rasmus was plagued by injuries – he slashed a poor .206/.286/.355 (.641 OPS) – but still managed a solid 15 HR and 54 RBI over his 107 games played.

While there’s obvious reason for concern, Rasmus still has value entering his age 30 season.

Let’s dig deeper into why the Phillies should target Colby Rasmus this offseason.

Oct 9, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Colby Rasmus hits a RBI double against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning in-game two of the ALDS at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Coming off a very solid 2015 for Houston, Rasmus shocked many when he accepted his qualifying offer from the Astros following the season.

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After hitting 25 homers, driving in 61 runs, and slashing .238/.314/.475 (.789 OPS), Rasmus showed he was worthy of a multi-year deal heading into free agency.

He further made a case for such a deal by hitting a tone-setting homer against the New York Yankees in the 2015 AL Wild Card Game, and following that with three homers and slashing .429/.600/1.143 (1.743 OPS) for the Astros against the eventual world champion Kansas City Royals in the ALDS.

It’d be easy to assume a player coming off that type of season (solid), and postseason (excellent), who had just turned 29-years-old would get a multi-year offer from some team.

He did not.

Well, in reality, Rasmus never game himself that opportunity.

Rasmus played at a high enough level to earn himself a $15.8 million, one year qualifying offer from the Astros. And instead of declining and seeing the market out (very outfielder, power hitting friendly), Rasmus bet on himself.

It’s easy to see why. He’s confident, he has potential still, but overall, he’s been a pretty solid player and nearly $16 million isn’t too bad for a year.

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However, after his poor 2016 season, it’s clear Rasmus would’ve been better off fishing the free-agent market for a multi-year deal with more long-term security.

He didn’t. And now he’ll have to bet on himself again.

This time, without the luxury of a qualifying offer.

Jul 26, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros right fielder Colby Rasmus (28) looks up from the dugout during a game against the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Phillies are in a perfect position to offer someone like Rasmus a chance to re-gain some stock.

Truth be told, even after a poor offensive season (Rasmus did carry a 1.8 dWAR), the Phillies could still use a player like Rasmus for the immediate impact of the team.

He’s an outfielder and provides left handed power. Two things the Phillies could use right now, or at least until the club’s top prospects are ready to arrive.

As mentioned, his poor season in 2016 will prevent any sort of multi-year deal. However, the Phillies have the money to offer Rasmus a win-win one year deal. Meaning zero long-term commitment from the team, but good money for a season for Rasmus, and a chance for him to replenish his long-term value.

Both sides could use each other.

May 18, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Colby Rasmus (28) hits a home run against Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Mat Latos (38) during the fourth inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Phillies would more than likely be asking Rasmus to hold down a corner outfield spot for 2017. Which would be the best move for both Rasmus and the Phils.

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Over the past two season with the Astros, Rasmus has played 159 games in left field, logging 1,117.2 innings at the position, with 13 assists and just two errors. Even in limited playing time this season, Rasmus is still a finalist for an AL gold glove.

His 1.74 RF/9 from left shows his lack of range. But with someone like Odubel Herrera playing center, having a sure handed outfielder over a rangy one is fine.

Rasmus grew as a defender in 2016, which could help him grow more as a player betting on himself. He found a way to help the Astros in a positive way even through the offensive struggles.

That shouldn’t go unnoticed.

However, his defense isn’t his only skill that improves when he’s in left:

Sep 7, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Colby Rasmus (28) makes a catch in the third inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Some players find comfort playing a certain position. Could this be the case with Rasmus?

As mentioned, Rasmus has logged some big innings in left over the past two seasons for Houston. And his bat seems to like him there.

In 521 plate appearances playing left field since 2015, Rasmus has found success at the plate. Slashing .263/.326/.490 (.816 OPS), hitting 28 homers with 79 RBI.

Pretty good, no?

However, production as a left fielder is not the only thing Rasmus provides:

Sep 7, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Colby Rasmus (28) celebrates his two-run home run in the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

In addition to his defense and stats as a left fielder, Rasmus has a chance to provide even more value to the Phillies.

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There’s no doubt that if the Phillies signed Rasmus, he’d be asked to hit fourth or fifth in the order, and drive in runs in the opportune moments.

For his career, Rasmus has a .787 OPS and 55 homers in 1,097 at-bats hitting fourth or fifth in the lineup. Since 2015, Rasmus has hit .263/.361/.500 (.861 OPS), while adding 13 homers and 76 RBI with RISP in 190 at-bats.

There’s no denying that the Phillies could use that type of production, especially from a left handed hitter.

Sep 7, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Colby Rasmus (28) celebrates his two-run home run with first baseman Marwin Gonzalez (9) in the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Rasmus and the Phillies are a nice match.

Considering the lack of commitment from the Phils, and the opportunity for Rasmus, this is something that feels logical.

Rasmus won’t command much more than $10-$14 million this offseason for his failed bet. But that’s the type of money the Phillies wouldn’t mind giving a potential valuable piece.

Remember, there’s no such thing as a bad one year deal. So many things can happen on many different levels, but having an out at the end of the season is never a bad thing.

Provided the Phillies young hitters (Herrera, Franco, Joseph, etc.) continue their growth, Rasmus could end up being a bargain signing and valuable veteran leader for the Phils.

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