The MLB offseason has officially begun, with players already signing deals across the league. For the Philadelphia Phillies, it’s shaping up to be one of their most intriguing offseasons yet, with several key veterans hitting free agency and major decisions on the horizon about who returns.
ESPN SportsCenter host Kevin Negandhi believes big changes are coming.
“I think this is the end of an era. I would anticipate some major changes ahead for the Phillies,” he posted.
Philadelphia is expected to consider every possible avenue this winter — including the idea of moving Alec Bohm in hopes of upgrading defensively.
CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa echoed that sentiment, writing, “The Phillies seem determined to shake up their offense this offseason but they have only so many movable parts. Bryce Harper isn’t going anywhere, Nick Castellanos is untradeable, and Trea Turner is not the problem. Third base is one position they could easily make a move, and I boldly predict that move involves shipping Alec Bohm elsewhere and bringing in a heavily subsidized Nolan Arenado to take over at the hot corner.”
Another major storyline involves Ranger Suárez, a dependable piece of Philadelphia’s pitching staff. Despite his consistency, the Phillies appear ready to move on.
According to CBS Sports’ RJ Anderson, “The Phillies aren’t expected to re-sign free-agent left-hander Ranger Suárez, and they’re likely to be without ace Zack Wheeler, recovering from surgery to correct his thoracic outlet syndrome, at the onset of next season. Yet that doesn’t mean the Phillies are in the market for another starter.”
Instead, the Phillies seem focused on other priorities — potentially targeting Kyle Tucker and attempting to keep Kyle Schwarber in the fold. With so many variables, Philadelphia has several different paths it could pursue.
But one thing seems increasingly clear: Suárez’s time with the Phillies is likely coming to an end, a tough reminder of the business side of baseball.