The Philadelphia Phillies appear to be in need of a reset, though there are only so many areas they can realistically alter.
After claiming a second straight division title, the Phillies once again fell short in the postseason, marking another year of frustration. Despite clear evidence that their current formula isn’t producing a championship, the club remains tied to several key players.
Veteran infielders Bryce Harper and Trea Turner are both signed long-term, while the rotation will continue to be led by Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. That leaves the outfield as the most likely area for major change.
“I would revamp the entire Phillies outfield,” former MLB general manager Jim Bowden wrote in The Athletic. “(Nick) Castellanos has one year and $20 million left on his contract, but I would eat a significant part of that to trade him… I would either trade (Brandon) Marsh or use him as a fourth outfielder. I wouldn’t re-sign Max Kepler, who played better in the second half but finished with an 88 OPS+ overall.”
Even if the Phillies don’t opt for a full-scale overhaul, it’s clear some level of shake-up is coming, especially with Kepler and Harrison Bader both hitting free agency.
Given Dave Dombrowski’s reputation for bold moves, the team could pursue a high-profile addition—perhaps even a player of Kyle Tucker’s caliber—though such a move likely wouldn’t materialize until later in the offseason.
In the meantime, Philadelphia has already made a smaller addition to its outfield depth. “According to my sources, Dominican Bryan De La Cruz has reached an agreement with the Philadelphia Phillies,” MLB insider Mike Rodriguez reported. “He signed a one-year minor league contract and received an invitation to spring training.”
