The Phillies came into this offseason with a clear opportunity: build off a solid core, address the gaps that showed in October, and take a real swing at the National League crown. But after falling short in the NLDS against the Dodgers, the front office opted for a more conservative route - one that’s left more questions than answers heading into 2026.
Let’s start with what they did do. Kyle Schwarber and J.T.
Realmuto are back, which, on the surface, makes sense. Schwarber remains one of the most dangerous lefty power bats in the game, and Realmuto continues to be a top-tier catcher - a leader behind the plate and a steadying presence in the clubhouse.
The Phillies also added Adolis García, a high-upside move that could pay off if he brings his blend of power and athleticism to Citizens Bank Park. Brad Keller was brought in as well, likely to provide some rotation depth or long relief help.
But here’s the thing: while those moves aren’t bad, they’re not game-changers either. And when you look at a roster that’s been knocking on the door for a couple of years now, it’s fair to ask - is this really enough?
That’s the question former MLB GM Jim Bowden posed when he handed the Phillies a C+ for their offseason. His concern? The Phillies may have kept the band together a little too long.
There’s a fine line between continuity and complacency, and right now, Philly’s offseason leans toward the latter. Yes, Schwarber and Realmuto are back.
Alec Bohm returns as well. But the outfield - which was already a soft spot - wasn’t meaningfully upgraded.
And with the Braves continuing to reload and the Mets making aggressive moves of their own, standing pat doesn’t exactly scream “NL East favorites.”
Bowden still sees some value in the Phillies’ approach - he liked the García addition and didn’t knock the individual deals. But the lack of boldness, the absence of a true shake-up or significant upgrade, is what ultimately led him to that middling grade. In his prediction, the Phillies finish third in the division, behind Atlanta and New York.
It’s not that the Phillies are a bad team - far from it. But in a league where standing still often means falling behind, the fear is that Philly might be doing just that.
They’ve opted to run it back. Now the pressure’s on for that bet to pay off.