After losing a devastating three of four games against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Divisional Series, it’s difficult to remember the success of the 2025 Philadelphia Phillies. This season, the Phillies won the National League East Division, with a record of 96-66. The team’s collective batting average was .258, tying with the Milwaukee Brewers for second in the MLB. However, the Phillies fell flat in the postseason. During the NLDS, the Phillies had a team batting average of .212 and an on-base plus slugging of .657.
Despite losing three-time All-Star and 2023 Gold Glove Award winner Zack Wheeler, the Phillies starting pitchers had a combined earned run average of 3.79. The bullpen struggled, but the acquisition of Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins at the trade deadline made a significant difference.
Free agents
During the off-season, the contracts will be expiring for multiple key players on the Phillies. Throughout the 2025 season, fans speculated whether or not 2025 All-Star MVP Kyle Schwarber would be returning with the Phillies. The 32-year-old had 56 home runs this season, granting him second place in the MLB. This season, he was the Phillies designated hitter, with an average of .240 and an OPS of .928.
Another significant player whose five-year, $115.5 million contract will be expiring is catcher JT Realmuto. Once considered the best catcher in baseball, Realmuto is still elite, with the fastest average pop-time in the league.
Starting pitcher Ranger Suárez will also be entering free agency this offseason. The 2024 All-Star had a 12-8 record, 151 strikeouts and a 3.20 ERA this season. Center fielder Harrison Bader was also picked up from the Minnesota Twins at the trade deadline July 31. Harrison filled the holes in the Phillies outfield and added a right-handed bat to a primarily lefty lineup. For the 2026 season, Bader has a mutual $10 million option with the organization and a $3 million buyout.
Roster changes
The Phillies could also make some potential moves this offseason, with noteworthy players entering free agency like New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso and Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman. Another face to look out for is right-fielder Kyle Tucker from the Chicago Cubs.
The organization’s top prospect, 22-year-old Andrew Painter, had a record of 5-8 and an ERA of 5.26 this season with the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, as he recovered from Tommy John (ulnar collateral tear) surgery. Outfielding prospect Justin Crawford hit an average of .334 for the IronPigs this season, and his Major League debut for the 2026 season seems likely. IronPigs shortstop Aidan Miller was drafted by the Phillies in 2023, and with an average of .264, could potentially make the Opening Day roster as well.
Coaching staff
Many fans thought Phillies manager Rob Thomson was fired this offseason, despite the extension to his contract lasting through the end of the 2026 season. After leading the organization to their first postseason appearance in 11 years, he was promoted to the team’s full-time manager. However, since 2023, the team has made the playoffs each year but have fallen short of the World Series. Along with Thomson, the Phillies’ president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, confirmed the team’s entire coaching staff would be returning for the 2026 season. Dombrowski also mentioned hiring a new bench coach in the Phillies end of season press conference.
Looking toward the 2026 season, it is important the Phillies prioritize big signings, bring up their top prospects and improve their in-game coaching staff. Although the season ended on a low note, the organization seems to be focused on improving for the future and celebrating the victories made throughout the regular season.
