The Philadelphia Phillies aren’t just dipping their toes into free agency this winter - they’re diving in headfirst. With a clear vision and a front office that’s not afraid to be aggressive, the Phillies have already checked one major item off their offseason to-do list: keeping Kyle Schwarber in red pinstripes. His new five-year, $150 million deal locks in one of their most consistent power bats and clubhouse leaders, giving the lineup a familiar anchor heading into 2026.
But Dave Dombrowski and his staff know there’s more work to be done. One key area of focus?
Right-handed outfield depth. The Phillies are actively exploring options to boost production from that side of the plate - and they’ve already taken a calculated swing by signing Adolis García to a one-year, $10 million deal.
Now, let’s be clear: García is a high-upside, high-variance play. After his release from the Texas Rangers, it’s fair to say he’s in need of a reset.
The Phillies believe they can offer that - a better environment, a new voice in the batting cage, and a chance to rediscover the form that once made him one of the more dangerous right-handed hitters in the AL. But they’re not putting all their eggs in that basket.
According to league sources, Philadelphia is still on the hunt for another complementary right-handed bat - someone who can provide stability if García doesn’t pan out. One name that’s come up often in league circles: Rob Refsnyder.
Refsnyder, who spent the past three seasons with the Red Sox, has quietly built a reputation as one of the more reliable platoon outfielders against left-handed pitching. In 2025, he slashed .269/.354/.484 with nine home runs in just over 200 plate appearances - good for a 131 OPS+.
That’s not just serviceable; that’s real value in a part-time role. And with his return to Boston now considered unlikely, the door is wide open for a team like the Phillies to pounce.
Adding Refsnyder would give the Phillies a proven righty bat who doesn’t need everyday reps to make an impact. He’s the kind of player who can thrive in a bench role, spot-start against tough lefties, and deliver professional at-bats in key moments. Think of him as a safety net - one that could come in handy if García doesn’t quite find his footing.
Meanwhile, the Phillies are also expected to make a decision on Nick Castellanos in the coming weeks. The veteran right fielder is entering the final year of his five-year, $100 million contract, but his future in Philly is looking increasingly uncertain. Whether it’s via trade or release, it appears the club is ready to turn the page, especially with younger, more versatile options potentially on the way.
Looking further down the roster, the Phillies are juggling a few other big-ticket decisions. Ranger Suárez, Kyle Schwarber, and J.T.
Realmuto were all set to hit free agency after 2025. With Schwarber already re-signed and Suárez likely heading elsewhere, the front office is now zeroing in on Realmuto.
The three-time All-Star catcher has been a cornerstone for the Phillies over the past seven seasons. He’s been the engine behind the plate - a leader in the clubhouse, a rock defensively, and at his peak, a dangerous middle-of-the-order bat.
But 2025 wasn’t his best showing offensively. Realmuto hit .257 with a .315 on-base percentage and just 12 home runs, posting a 91 OPS+ - a noticeable dip from his usual standards.
Still, the Phillies clearly value what he brings to the table. Talks are ongoing, and while there hasn’t been a breakthrough yet, Dombrowski made it clear the team remains committed to trying to bring him back.
“We continue to stay in contact,” Dombrowski said. “We’ve talked consistently about trying to sign J.T., and we remain that way. But we haven’t been able to get it done so far.”
In other words: the Phillies aren’t done yet. Whether it’s reinforcing the outfield, securing their catcher of the future, or reshaping the roster around their core stars, this offseason is shaping up to be a pivotal one in Philadelphia. And if the early moves are any indication, they’re not just hoping to contend - they’re planning to.