Phillies Sign Recently Released Giants Outfielder

The Philadelphia Phillies (66-45) have one of the deepest rosters in the Majors this season, and they added to their depth on Monday. After being released by the San Francisco Giants (57-57) on Saturday, outfielder Ryan McKenna signed a minor league contract with the Phillies on Monday.

McKenna, 27, was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles (67-46) in the fourth round of the 2015 draft. He made his Major League debut for the Orioles on April 5th, 2021, but has struggled to find consistency in the Majors.

Entering 2024, McKenna carried a .222/.299/.318 batting line with 30 extra base hits and a 74 OPS+ across 508 plate appearances in 282 games. A member of two Major League teams already this season, McKenna has only appeared in 13 Major League games and had 15 plate appearances. He has batted .214/.267/.643 with two extra base hits and a 152 OPS+.

While McKenna has not been able to find his footing as a hitter, throughout his career he has been a much better fielder. He comes to the Phillies with six career Outs Above Average with left field being his best position. He has four career Outs Above Average in left field.

The Phillies claiming McKenna is a depth move. While the Phillies have more depth than most, they are rather shallow in the outfield. Austin Hays has not performed as the Phillies were hopeful that he would since acquiring him via trade, and McKenna could be the backup plan if Hays' struggles continue much longer.