The Philadelphia Phillies aren’t done yet-but they’re playing it smart with what’s left in the budget.
After dropping a combined $182 million this offseason, the Phillies have made their intentions clear: they’re still in win-now mode. Kyle Schwarber is back in the fold on a five-year, $150 million deal, bringing his power and postseason pedigree back to Citizens Bank Park. They’ve added outfielder Adolis García on a $10 million deal for 2026, and bolstered the bullpen with right-hander Brad Keller on a two-year, $22 million contract.
That’s a hefty investment, but it’s not quite a spending spree without limits. According to reporting, the Phillies are aiming to keep their payroll around $314 million-roughly the same as last season. With their current commitments pushing them close to the $300 million mark, that leaves around $14 million of flexibility heading into the rest of the winter.
So, what can you do with $14 million when the market’s still moving and the roster isn’t quite finished? That’s where things get interesting.
**Catcher remains a top priority. ** Whether that means bringing back J.T.
Realmuto or finding a new everyday backstop, the Phillies are expected to address the position. Realmuto has been a cornerstone behind the plate, but if the team pivots, they’ll need to find someone who can handle a veteran pitching staff and contribute offensively.
Either way, the catcher decision could eat up a good chunk of that remaining budget.
Beyond that, the Phillies still have a few other needs. A right-handed bat for the outfield could help balance the lineup, especially with García being more of a power threat than a consistent on-base guy.
A rotation arm wouldn’t hurt either-depth is always a premium when you’re trying to compete deep into October. And depending on how the infield shapes up, a corner infielder could also be on the radar.
Now, if Philadelphia wants to create more room to maneuver, they’ve got a couple of possible levers to pull. Nick Castellanos and Alec Bohm have both been floated as potential trade chips, and moving either could provide both financial relief and lineup flexibility. Castellanos still has pop, but he’s owed significant money, and Bohm, while young and productive, could be part of a package that nets the Phillies a more immediate upgrade.
Don’t expect a major shakeup unless the market shifts. If free agents start settling for less than expected, the Phillies could pounce. But barring a sudden drop in prices, the front office seems content to work within the current payroll framework and make targeted additions rather than splashy ones.
Bottom line: the Phillies have already made some big moves, and they’ve got just enough financial wiggle room left to stay active. With a roster that’s already built to contend, the next few weeks are about fine-tuning-not overhauling. And if they play it right, that final $14 million could go a long way toward pushing this team over the top in 2026.