The Philadelphia Phillies officially kicked off their offseason and immediately made headlines. On Wednesday, the team locked up its top free-agent priority, left-handed designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, agreeing to a five-year, $150 million contract.
This signing keeps Schwarber’s big bat anchored in the heart of the lineup and marks the start of what is expected to be an active winter for Philadelphia as it works to protect its position atop the NL East.
Even with strong regular-season results in recent years, the Phillies have had trouble turning that success into postseason triumphs. Their core group — Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Schwarber — is moving into the later stages of its collective career, tightening the window for a championship run. The team’s last trip to the World Series came in 2022, when they fell to the Houston Astros in six games.
Understanding the urgency to strengthen the roster across the board, especially in terms of pitching depth, the Phillies also made a second move Wednesday by finalizing a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Philadelphia picked up right-hander Yoniel Curet in exchange for minor-league pitcher Tommy McCollum and placed Curet on the 40-man roster immediately.
Curet, ranked as the No. 22 prospect in Tampa Bay’s farm system, had recently been designated for assignment. Instead of waiting to see whether he would pass through waivers, the Phillies acted decisively, believing his raw potential made him worth the price.
The 23-year-old possesses a high-octane fastball but has struggled with command during his time in the minors. His future role in Philadelphia is not yet defined; the organization may attempt to shape him as either a starter or a reliever. With only one minor-league option left, the Phillies face limited maneuverability if he encounters difficulties at the major-league level.
Curet has spent five seasons developing in the Rays’ system, gradually rising through each level. Over 97 minor-league appearances — 80 of them starts — he holds a 24-16 record and a 3.10 ERA, along with 486 strikeouts in 371 1/3 innings.