Phillies Predicted to Steal NL Central Star in Offseason Coup

The Philadelphia Phillies have been projected by Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly to pursue Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ in free agency. Following a wild-card elimination by the Atlanta Braves, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski faces key decisions to address an open corner-outfield spot. Kelly projects Happ as Philadelphia's starting left fielder for the 2027 season.

Kelly outlines a potential three-year free-agent deal for the switch-hitting Happ, avoiding longer commitments tied to older alternatives like Randy Arozarena and Seiya Suzuki. Happ batted .221 with 24 home runs for Chicago in 2026, though reports indicate he could still consider staying with the Cubs on a hometown discount.