The Philadelphia Phillies’ 2025 MLB season ended disappointingly, and the franchise ought to actively work to bolster its roster.
The Phillies needed assistance in the rotation since their pitching staff was a problem. There are many excellent starters and relievers available in the free agent markets. The best starter available is expected to be acquired by the Phillies.
Dylan Cease will sign a huge seven-year, $189 million contract with the Phillies in free agency, according to MLB insider Steve Adams of MLBTradeRumors.
According to the report, “Cease may be the most durable pitcher in baseball, but in recent years he’s alternated between dominating and disappointing.” Cease’s 2.20 ERA and second-place Cy Young finish in 2022 were followed by a 4.58 ERA. After recovering to a 3.47 ERA and fourth-place Cy finish in 2024, he returned to a 4.55 ERA this year. If those seasons had happened in a different order, you can see Cease coming in considerably higher on this list. …
“Cease will be 30 in December, and it’s possible that a team will sign him on a long-term contract despite his ugly ERA. Cease and Boras might consider signing a two or three-year contract with opt-outs, earning a significant salary in 2026, then reentering the market without a QO and (ideally) with an ERA of 3.50 or above if something near $200MM isn’t offered. Given the anticipated lockout during the 2026–2027 offseason, two years with an opt-out could be less than desirable, as with any free agent on this list.
In addition to strengthening the Phillies’ rotation, Cease might take Ranger Suarez’s spot as a prospective free agent. The right-hander is significantly better than he was the previous season, going 8-12 with a 4.55 ERA in 32 starts.
Phillies Have Money to Spend
Since the Phillies are trying to climb over the hump, they should have a chance to sign the majority of the best free agents.
In the postseason, the Phillies were defeated by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite this, executive Dave Dombrowski believes his club is on the verge of defeating the current back-to-back champions.
Dombrowski remarked, “We’re close to them.” We fought them, and I believe we live in the same area. However, we didn’t defeat them, and we still have work to do.
Dombrowski anticipates that the Phillies will have plenty of money to spend this winter to bolster their squad since he thinks the team is close.
According to Dombrowski, “Owner John Middleton is very supportive of that.” “You don’t have limitless funds, but we have a good team with many talented players. We won’t have a $400 million payroll, in my opinion. That simply doesn’t seem like a practicality to me. However, we’ll be willing to improve and take action.
With a payroll of little over $293 million, the Phillies had the third-highest in baseball last season.
Padres Gave Cease a Qualifying Offer
The Phillies would have to forfeit a draft pick if they signed Cease.
Cease received a qualifying offer from the San Diego Padres, which allowed him to sign a $22.05 million, one-year contract. All indications, however, suggest that Cease will turn it down because he can negotiate a long-term contract in free agency.
Cease may be a reliable No. 2 starter for a team that makes the playoffs.
Cease would join Zack Wheeler, Jesus Luzardo, Cristopher Sanchez, and Aaron Nola in the Phillies’ rotation.