The Philadelphia Phillies could explore an intriguing trade opportunity with the Los Angeles Dodgers this offseason as they look to strengthen their outfield ahead of the 2027 MLB season. With payroll concerns potentially limiting their spending power, the Phillies may have to get creative in their search for affordable players who can make a meaningful contribution.
One name attracting attention is Dodgers outfielder Alex Call, a potential low-cost addition who could give Philadelphia valuable depth and another experienced option in the outfield.
Although Call endured a difficult 2026 campaign, his previous performances suggest he could still offer something to a team willing to give him an opportunity to bounce back. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller recently identified the Phillies as a possible landing spot for the veteran outfielder, highlighting his affordability and previous offensive production.
WHY THE PHILLIES COULD TARGET ALEX CALL
Philadelphia’s outfield situation could be an important area of focus as the organization prepares for the 2027 season. Brandon Marsh, Justin Crawford and Derek Hill are among the players who could feature in the team’s plans, while Bryan De La Cruz could provide additional depth.
However, the Phillies may need more reliable production from their outfield if they hope to remain competitive in the National League.
Adding an established hitter would give the organization another option, but pursuing an expensive free agent could be difficult with the team’s projected payroll already among the highest in Major League Baseball.
Miller believes Call could offer an alternative to more expensive targets.
In his assessment, Philadelphia could benefit from bringing the former Washington Nationals outfielder back to the National League East. Call struggled in 2026, but his production during the 2024 and 2025 seasons suggests that he could be worth considering as an affordable addition.
His familiarity with the National League East could also help him adjust quickly if he joined Philadelphia.
For the Phillies, the attraction would be straightforward: acquire an experienced outfielder without committing a significant portion of their offseason budget to one player.
A POTENTIAL TRADE COMES WITH ONE IMPORTANT CATCH
Despite the appeal of the proposed move, Philadelphia would need to consider whether trading for Call is actually necessary.
Because Call remains in his arbitration years, his projected 2027 salary could fall between $1 million and $2 million. That would make him a relatively inexpensive option compared with established outfielders who could command much larger contracts in free agency.
However, there is another possibility that could change the situation entirely.
The Dodgers could decide not to tender Call a contract, allowing him to become a free agent instead of requiring another team to surrender trade assets to acquire him.
That possibility raises an important question for Philadelphia: why give up prospects or other assets in a trade when Call might become available without compensation?
The Dodgers also have younger outfield talent within their organization, potentially creating additional competition for Call’s place on the roster.
If Los Angeles determines that other players offer greater long-term value, Call’s future with the organization could become uncertain.
Consequently, the Phillies would need to evaluate his availability carefully before pursuing a deal. Waiting for the Dodgers to make a decision on his contract could be a more sensible approach than immediately offering trade compensation.
CAN CALL BOUNCE BACK AFTER A DISAPPOINTING 2026 SEASON?
Call’s recent statistics illustrate why this potential acquisition carries both promise and risk.
During the 2026 season, he hit .233 across 163 at-bats, recording just one home run and an 84 OPS+. Those numbers represent a disappointing offensive performance for a player hoping to establish himself as a dependable major-league contributor.
His production was considerably better in 2025.
Across 270 at-bats that season, Call recorded a 111 OPS+ and 20 extra-base hits. That performance demonstrated his ability to produce above league-average offensive numbers, making his subsequent struggles an important consideration for any team interested in acquiring him.
Philadelphia would be hoping that his 2026 difficulties were temporary rather than a sign of a more significant decline.
A return to his previous level of production would make him a more attractive option, particularly if the Phillies could acquire him without sacrificing valuable prospects.
Nevertheless, there would be no guarantee that a change of scenery would restore his offensive consistency. The Phillies would need to assess his underlying performance, contact quality and defensive value before deciding whether he represents a worthwhile investment.
WHAT ALEX CALL COULD BRING TO PHILADELPHIA
Call made his MLB debut with Cleveland in 2022 before going on to play for the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Across 1,021 career at-bats, he has compiled a .241 batting average, 22 home runs and 48 doubles, along with a 98 OPS+. That figure places his overall offensive production slightly below the league average during his major-league career.
While those numbers do not establish him as a star outfielder, they suggest that he has experience Philadelphia could use in a supporting role.
Call can provide defensive versatility, intelligent baserunning and familiarity with the demands of a major-league season. Those qualities could become particularly valuable if the Phillies need additional coverage because of injuries, inconsistent performances or changes to their outfield rotation.
He also has experience playing for a championship-caliber organization. Call earned a World Series ring with the Dodgers in 2025, although his opportunities during Los Angeles’ 2026 postseason run were limited.
That experience could offer some value in a Philadelphia clubhouse preparing for another postseason push.
Still, the Phillies would need to determine whether his potential contributions justify adding another outfielder to their existing group.
WILL THE PHILLIES MAKE A MOVE FOR THE DODGERS OUTFIELDER?
The possibility of Philadelphia pursuing Call highlights the challenge facing the organization this offseason. The Phillies need to consider ways to improve their roster while remaining mindful of their financial commitments.
Signing a high-profile free agent could provide a more obvious upgrade, but an affordable player with the potential to rebound might offer a different path to strengthening the team.
Call fits that description, although his disappointing 2026 campaign means the Phillies would need to approach the situation carefully.
The Dodgers’ decision regarding his contract could ultimately determine whether a trade makes sense. If Call becomes a free agent, Philadelphia could have an opportunity to pursue him without surrendering prospects.
For now, the idea remains a potential offseason scenario rather than a confirmed trade discussion.
Would Alex Call be a worthwhile addition to the Philadelphia Phillies? A low-cost contract could make him an appealing depth option, but the organization must weigh his previous production against his recent struggles before deciding whether to pursue him.
