Phillies Offseason So Far? More Treading Water Than Turning Corners
As we inch closer to pitchers and catchers reporting, the Phillies find themselves in a familiar position - not bad, but not exactly better either. After back-to-back NLDS exits, the expectation was that this winter might bring some shakeup, a spark, something to push this talented roster over the hump. Instead, it’s starting to feel like another round of “run it back,” with only marginal changes and a growing sense of frustration among fans.
Let’s break it down.
The Roster: Same Faces, Same Questions
At nearly every position, the Phillies are set to roll out the same core group that took the field in 2025. Here’s how things are shaping up:
- Catcher: J.T. Realmuto remains the guy.
He’s still one of the best defensive catchers in the game and brings leadership behind the plate, but there were whispers of frustration this offseason. Whether that lingers into spring remains to be seen.
- Designated Hitter: Kyle Schwarber returns, and while his power is undeniable, questions about his defensive limitations and contract value continue to swirl. He’s a boom-or-bust bat, and the Phillies are betting on more boom.
- First Base: Bryce Harper stays locked in at first. That experiment turned out to be a success last season, and with his bat, he’ll continue to anchor the middle of the lineup.
- Second Base and Shortstop: Bryson Stott and Trea Turner are back up the middle. Turner had a rollercoaster 2025, but his upside is still immense. Stott continues to develop into a steady presence.
- Third Base: Alec Bohm returns after an up-and-down year. There’s been some tension, but the organization clearly still believes in his bat and potential at the hot corner.
- Right Field: This is where things get interesting. Nick Castellanos is still on the roster, but the Phillies have brought in Adolis García, a potential upgrade in both power and defense. If García takes over the position full-time, that could be one of the few true improvements.
- Center Field: Brandon Marsh is shifting over to left, and the center field job looks like it could go to Justin Crawford, a young, athletic outfielder with upside. The team also gave Harrison Bader a brief look, but it’s Crawford’s job to lose. That’s a gamble - exciting, but unproven.
- Left Field: With Marsh moving over, the Phillies are banking on more consistency in left. Max Kepler’s departure opens the door for Marsh to show he can handle a full-time role and stay healthy.
- Starting Rotation: Assuming Zack Wheeler comes back healthy, the rotation remains largely intact. The addition of Jesús Luzardo last season was a smart move, and he’ll be a key piece again. But beyond that, there’s no major shakeup - and no new ace to push the group forward.
- Bullpen: It’s hard to say this group got better or worse - it feels like a wash. There’s talent, but no major additions to shift the balance.
What’s Missing?
The Phillies had opportunities to make a splash this offseason, but the big names are mostly off the board. Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, and Bo Bichette - all gone.
Bichette, notably, ended up with the Mets, which stings a little more given the rivalry. Cody Bellinger is still out there, but beyond him, the market has thinned out considerably.
And while the front office did land Luzardo earlier, there’s been little else to suggest a major step forward. That’s where the frustration is starting to build.
The Phillies aren’t a bad team - far from it. But they’re also not clearly better than the version that’s flamed out in October two years in a row.
Fan Sentiment: Starting to Waver
This feels a little too familiar for Phillies fans. The roster is good, the talent is there, but the momentum?
Not so much. When a team stalls out in the same round of the playoffs two years in a row, fans look for change - a reason to believe this time will be different.
Right now, that belief is harder to come by.
The front office, led by Dave Dombrowski, has made a name for itself with bold moves in the past. This offseason, though, has been more about holding the line than pushing forward. Whether that strategy pays off depends on internal growth, health, and a few calculated risks - like Crawford in center and García in right - hitting big.
But for now, with spring training on the horizon, the Phillies look like a team hoping that continuity will finally be enough. It might be. But after two straight early exits, hope alone won’t cut it.