The Phillies are entering 2026 with unfinished business-and a chip on their shoulder.
Their 2025 campaign ended in gut-wrenching fashion in Los Angeles, a season that was one throw away from continuing. Instead, it ended with reliever Orion Kerkering’s wild pitch sailing to the backstop, a moment that still lingers for the young right-hander.
“Everyone knows that it’s there,” Kerkering admitted. “The more you think about it, the more it’s going to drain you away. It’s going to affect me for the rest of my life.”
That’s the kind of moment that sticks-not just for the player, but for the team. And make no mistake: the Phillies are using it as fuel.
Philadelphia didn’t sit quietly this offseason. The front office made it clear this team isn’t interested in taking a step back.
Re-signing clubhouse cornerstones Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto was priority No. 1, and they got it done.
That kind of continuity matters, especially for a team that’s been knocking on the door in October.
Still, there was one swing they missed on: Bo Bichette. At one point, the star shortstop looked like a near lock to land in Philly. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski didn’t hide how close it came-or how much it stung.
“I did think we were going to get a deal done,” Dombrowski said. “We were close.
It was a gut punch. But until you have a signed memo of understanding, you don't have a deal.”
That’s the business. And while missing out on Bichette hurt, there’s still time to make a major addition-and the Phillies might have their eyes on a future Hall of Famer.
Enter Max Scherzer.
The 41-year-old right-hander has made it clear: he wants to pitch for a contender, and he’s willing to wait until after Spring Training to decide where he’ll go. For a pitcher with as many innings-and as many October battles-as Scherzer, it’s not about Opening Day. It’s about October.
And the Phillies? They’re built for October. But they’ve got some questions on the mound.
Zack Wheeler, the ace of the staff, is expected to miss time early in the season. Andrew Painter, the highly touted prospect, remains an unknown at the big-league level.
Taijuan Walker has been up and down. Adding Scherzer wouldn’t just stabilize the rotation-it would elevate it.
This isn’t about nostalgia. Scherzer may be in the twilight of his career, but he’s still got plenty to offer.
His experience, his competitiveness, his ability to rise in big moments-those things don’t age the same way velocity does. And in a clubhouse full of veterans chasing a ring, Scherzer’s presence could be the kind of intangible boost that doesn’t show up in the box score but pays off in October.
The Phillies are chasing a third straight NL East title, and the rest of the division isn’t standing still. Atlanta remains a powerhouse.
The Mets are retooling. Miami’s pitching is no joke.
To stay ahead, Philadelphia knows it needs more than just talent-it needs depth, leadership, and postseason pedigree.
Scherzer brings all three.
If the Phillies can land him, it’s a move that could shift the balance of power in the National League. It’s the kind of addition that says, “We’re not just trying to get back-we’re trying to finish the job.”
And after the way 2025 ended, that message couldn’t be clearer.