The Philadelphia Phillies are sticking with their core squad for the 2026 season, despite recent playoff setbacks. With stars like Bryce Harper and Trea Turner locked into long-term deals, the Phillies are embracing the "run it back" mantra.
Fans might cringe at this phrase, especially after witnessing two straight NLDS exits despite impressive 95 and 96-win seasons. And let's not forget the 2023 NLCS heartbreak when they dropped Games 6 and 7 at home after leading 3-2.
Yet, here they are, gearing up to start the 2026 season against the Texas Rangers with familiar faces like Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Harper, J.T. Realmuto, Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez, Orion Kerkering, and likely Zack Wheeler, who’s on the injured list, all led by manager Rob Thomson.
Four of the Phillies' top five earners are secured through at least 2030, with Wheeler planning to retire after his contract ends in 2027. Schwarber, Turner, Harper, and Nola are all 33, meaning they’ll be pushing 40 by 2030. Meanwhile, Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo are signed into their mid-30s, and Realmuto is inked through 2028.
The core is aging together, but don’t count them out. They may have missed out on Bo Bichette, who the Mets snagged, but keeping Realmuto was crucial. Bichette’s signing would have meant trading Bohm, but the duo of Bohm and Realmuto offers a solid foundation.
The Phillies have made strategic moves, adding Adolis Garcia and banking on rookies like 22-year-old center fielder Justin Crawford and 23-year-old pitcher Andrew Painter to be future stars. Aidan Miller, a 21-year-old phenom, might step in at third base later this season, potentially leading to a Bohm trade.
Bohm and Bryson Stott, first-round picks in 2018 and 2019, have become solid players. Bohm hits free agency after this season, and Stott after 2027, leaving questions about their future with the team.
Looking ahead, the Phillies have room to tweak their core through free agency or trades, but this season is pivotal. Harper’s recent heroics in the World Baseball Classic remind us of his clutch potential.
If their stars shine, the Phillies could break past the NLDS barrier. Whether they can outshine the Dodgers or claim a World Series title remains to be seen, but on Opening Day, hope is alive, and the Phillies have a roster built to compete.