In 2025, the Philadelphia Phillies will as soon as once more enter the season with loads of star energy and loads of potential to win the World Collection. Nevertheless, that is been a theme of current seasons as nicely, however the Phillies have not discovered the fitting chemistry to show the frenzy of a Purple October right into a world championship.
According to Spotrac, because it stands proper now, the Phillies could have seven gamers on the roster making $20M or extra subsequent season. These high-priced stars embrace a pair of beginning pitchers in Zach Wheeler and Aaron Nola, plus sluggers like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber who can flip the sport round with one swing.
Understanding the numbers, it is little surprise that Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has downplayed Philadelphia chasing Juan Soto or some other big-ticket participant, although the Phillies are sometimes linked to these free brokers.
As an alternative, Philadelphia could look to shake issues up through trades, and that is the place we’ll start our three massive questions for the Phillies’ offseason.
How a lot will Philadelphia change issues up?
There was loads of speak that the Phillies could transfer All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm after he struggled mightily (going 1-for-13) in Philadelphia’s loss to the New York Mets within the Nationwide League Division Collection. Might a transfer open the best way for the Phillies to make its massive splash by bringing in free agent Alex Bregman?
The Phillies additionally want so as to add to the again finish of the rotation, and a commerce with the Chicago White Sox for Garrett Crochet may make a number of sense. Dombrowski has by no means been afraid to make a commerce to spice up his workforce, and strengthening the fourth and fifth starter spots might be the place a swap comes this offseason.
Who would be the fifth starter?
Wheeler, Nola, Ranger Suarez and Cristopher Sanchez made a strong foursome to steer the Phillies rotation, however a fifth arm goes to be wanted. Prospect Andrew Painter is predicted to suit into that position in some unspecified time in the future, however Dombrowski has mentioned he would not anticipate him to pitch 180 innings, so somebody might want to eat these frames.
Crochet is an choice right here, as are different veterans who is perhaps seeking to chase a hoop and signal a one-year deal. Whether or not it is via a commerce or free-agent signing, the Phillies rotation will change barely in 2025.
What concerning the again finish of the bullpen?
The Phillies traded for Carlos Estevez in late July, and he paired with Jeff Hoffman to kind a strong late-inning duo. Now each are free brokers, and Philadelphia has to resolve if each, one or neither are part of their 2025 plans.
Per MLBTradeRumors.com, Estevez is projected to earn a three-year, $27M deal this offseason, whereas Hoffman may seize a four-year, $44M contract. Understanding the numbers, Philadelphia is not anticipated to deliver each again, so Dombrowski will probably be trying so as to add one other late-inning reliever this offseason.
Might the Phillies make a commerce with the Milwaukee Brewers for Devin Williams? What about free brokers Tanner Scott or Clay Holmes? There are alternatives for Philadelphia to remake the again finish of the bullpen, however which of them they pursue might be one of many fascinating storylines to look at this winter.
