The Philadelphia Phillies have endured a disappointing offseason, missing out on marquee talents like Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette. Now, the club has been dealt another setback.
According to MLB insider Wilber Sánchez, Phillies outfielder has tested positive for a banned substance. As a result, the Dominican native will be ineligible to compete in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
The outfielder had been expected to represent the Dominican Republic in the tournament, but that opportunity is now off the table. Depending on the substance involved, the situation could also impact his standing in the Phillies’ spring training outfield competition.
Impact on the Phillies’ Outfield Picture
With Max Kepler, Harrison Bader, and Nick Castellanos no longer in the mix, Philadelphia’s outfield alignment is already in transition. Brandon Marsh is projected to see most of his time in left field, likely as part of a platoon. Top prospect Justin Crawford is slated to handle everyday duties in center, while offseason addition Adolis GarcÃa is expected to take over in right field.
That leaves little margin for Rojas, who is also battling for playing time with depth options like Otto Kemp. The timing could not be worse, as this spring represented a critical opportunity for him to solidify his role. So far, he has struggled, collecting just one hit in 11 at-bats.
A Look at Rojas’ MLB Track Record
Signed as an international free agent in 2018, Rojas debuted in 2023 and impressed in limited action. Over 59 games that year, he hit .302 with a .771 OPS, swiped 14 bases, and posted 2.4 bWAR. Power has never been a major part of his profile, however, as he hit just two home runs during that campaign.
His offensive output declined in the seasons that followed. In 2024, he appeared in 120 games but hit .243 with a .601 OPS, though he did steal 25 bases. Last season, his numbers dipped further to a .224 average and .569 OPS across 71 games, leaving him fighting for a roster spot entering this year.
Defensively, Rojas has been a standout in center field. In 2025, he recorded +5 Outs Above Average, his lowest mark in three seasons but still indicative of strong play. His elite speed also stands out—his 30.1 feet-per-second sprint speed ranked in the 99th percentile leaguewide, ahead of speedsters like Corbin Carroll and Pete Crow-Armstrong.
While his bat has lagged behind, Rojas’ defense and speed continue to make him an intriguing asset. Still, if the banned substance is deemed performance-enhancing and leads to league discipline, he could face a significant suspension — and his future with the Phillies may hang in the balance.
