The Philadelphia Phillies aren’t waiting around this offseason-they’re making moves with intent. After locking in Kyle Schwarber on a five-year, $150 million deal last week, the front office, led by Dave Dombrowski, is turning its attention to the next phase of roster building. And if there’s one area that still needs attention, it’s the outfield-specifically, adding more right-handed pop.
The Phillies made a bold move in that direction by signing Adolis García to a one-year, $10 million contract. García, recently released by the Texas Rangers, is a classic buy-low candidate-big upside, but questions about consistency.
The Phillies believe they’re the right environment to unlock the version of García that once looked like a middle-of-the-order threat in Texas. It’s a calculated risk, and they know it.
That’s why they’re still exploring additional right-handed outfield options as insurance.
One name that’s gaining traction in league circles: Rob Refsnyder. He’s coming off a quietly strong 2025 campaign with the Red Sox, hitting .269/.354/.484 with nine home runs in just over 200 plate appearances.
That 131 OPS+ shows he wasn’t just a platoon fill-in-he was a legitimate contributor, especially against lefties. And with his return to Boston now looking unlikely, the Phillies could be in a prime position to scoop him up.
Refsnyder fits the mold of what Philly seems to be targeting: a right-handed bat who can handle corner outfield duties and supplement the lineup without needing everyday reps. He wouldn’t block García, but he’d give the Phillies a safety net if that experiment doesn’t pan out. It’s the kind of depth move that smart teams make-low risk, potentially high reward.
Meanwhile, the Phillies are also working on a bigger-picture roster shift. Nick Castellanos, who’s entering the final year of his five-year, $100 million contract, is expected to be traded or released. That move would open up even more flexibility in the outfield and could be a signal that the team is ready to move on from a player who hasn’t quite lived up to expectations in Philly.
The front office also has its eyes on another major piece: J.T. Realmuto.
The veteran catcher became a free agent after his five-year, $111.5 million extension expired, and while the Phillies are staying in contact, there’s still no deal in place. Dombrowski made it clear that Realmuto remains a top priority, saying, “We continue to stay in contact… We’ve talked consistently about trying to sign J.T., and we remain that way.”
Realmuto’s résumé speaks for itself-three-time All-Star, defensive anchor, and a core piece of the Phillies’ identity over the past seven seasons. But the 2025 season was a down year offensively.
He hit .257/.315/.384 with 12 home runs and a 91 OPS+, a noticeable dip from his usual production. Still, the Phillies seem willing to bet on a bounce-back, and bringing him back would help solidify a lineup that’s already anchored by stars like Schwarber and Bryce Harper.
As for the rest of the roster, Ranger Suárez is unlikely to return, but the Phillies have already taken care of one big piece in Schwarber, and they’re grinding away on Realmuto. With García in the fold and Refsnyder on the radar, the outfield picture is starting to take shape. And if Castellanos is indeed on his way out, that could create even more room for the front office to maneuver.
Bottom line: the Phillies are far from finished. They’ve made a splash, they’re working the margins, and they’re positioning themselves for another deep postseason run. The offseason is still young, but Philly’s already showing they’re not here to tread water-they’re here to win.