It’s been a whirlwind week in Major League Baseball, and the Philadelphia Phillies were right in the thick of it-just not always in the way their fans might’ve hoped. While some of the league’s biggest names found new homes, the Phillies were left watching from the sidelines on a few fronts.
But that doesn’t mean there wasn’t plenty of action in Philly. Let’s break it all down, starting with a major international signing that could shape the future of the franchise.
Francisco Renteria: A New Face of the Future in Philly
The Phillies kicked off the 2026 international signing period with a bang, landing one of the most coveted young talents on the market. Venezuelan outfielder Francisco Renteria, ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 3 international prospect, officially joined the Phillies on a $4 million signing bonus. And make no mistake-this kid’s got the tools to be special.
At just 17 years old, Renteria already flashes some of the best raw power in his class, paired with a plus hit tool and a projectable frame that scouts can’t stop talking about. He’s a center fielder now, but with his athleticism and bat speed, the possibilities are wide open. The Phillies rolled out the red carpet, bringing Renteria to Citizens Bank Park to sign his deal and introduce himself to the fanbase with a short video from the field.
“Hey Phillies fanatics, I’m Francisco Renteria just to tell you that I’m so excited to be here,” he said with a grin-and you can bet the excitement is mutual.
This is the kind of foundational signing that could pay off in a big way down the road. Renteria is years away from the big leagues, but if he develops as expected, he could be a cornerstone piece in the next era of Phillies baseball.
Cristopher Sánchez: From Breakout to Cy Young Contender
While the Phillies missed out on a few marquee names in free agency, they don’t need to look far for star power on the mound. Cristopher Sánchez, fresh off a breakout 2025 campaign, is heading into spring training with real momentum-and some serious expectations.
Sánchez finished second in NL Cy Young voting last season after putting together a career year: 32 starts, 202 innings pitched, a 2.50 ERA, and 212 strikeouts. His 6.4 fWAR was third-best among all MLB pitchers and second in the National League, trailing only Paul Skenes.
And Vegas has taken notice. FanDuel currently lists Sánchez as the third favorite to win the 2026 NL Cy Young at +700, behind only Skenes (+250) and the Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto (+550).
At 29, Sánchez is stepping into the role of rotation anchor, and it’s a role he’s earned. With a deep pitch mix, improved command, and the ability to go deep into games, he’s become a pitcher who can match up with anyone in the league. If he builds on what he did last year, the Phillies could have a true ace leading the charge.
Brad Keller Joins Team USA for the World Baseball Classic
The 2026 World Baseball Classic is right around the corner-just 46 days away-and the Phillies will be well-represented. The latest addition? Right-hander Brad Keller, who’s set to join Team USA’s bullpen for the tournament.
Keller signed a two-year, $22 million deal with the Phillies in December after a stellar season with the Cubs, where he posted a 2.07 ERA, a 0.96 WHIP, and 75 strikeouts over 69 2/3 innings. He’s coming off a career-best year and now brings that momentum to both his new team and the national stage.
He’s not the only Phillie heading to the WBC. Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber will suit up for Team USA, while Taijuan Walker and Alan Rangel are set to pitch for Team Mexico. That’s a strong contingent, and it speaks to the depth and talent across this Phillies roster.
Not everyone is making the trip, though. Closer Jhoan Duran and starter Jesús Luzardo have opted out to focus on the upcoming season.
As for Cristopher Sánchez, there’s still some uncertainty. A false report claimed he was skipping the event, but he hasn’t made a final call just yet.
A Mixed Bag for the Phillies This Week
There’s no sugarcoating it-missing out on Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette stings. Tucker is headed to the Dodgers, and Bichette is joining the Mets, two teams the Phillies will be battling in the NL playoff picture. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a team that’s clearly in win-now mode.
But this week wasn’t a total loss. In Francisco Renteria, the Phillies landed a potential future star.
Cristopher Sánchez is rising into elite territory. And Brad Keller adds more firepower to a bullpen that’s already looking formidable.
There’s still time before pitchers and catchers report, and the Phillies may not be done making moves. But even with some missed opportunities, there’s a lot to like about where this team is headed-and a few names you’ll want to keep an eye on as 2026 gets underway.