Phillies wander aimless as Braves add Charlie Morton

Phillies managing partner John Middleton has several things to address

This might just be the Phillies doing a great job at keeping their candidates under the radar; but, something tells me it just falls within the common theme of the Phillies offseason: uncertainty and aimlessness. For this team to have a chance to contend next season, Middleton needs to address several questions:

• For one, they need a new GM/president of baseball operations sooner than later. A fresh set of eyes is crucial.
• Realmuto must return and remain a Phillie for the next 4-6 seasons. One of Bryce Harper’s closest friends, Realmuto is an important piece in the lineup that protects both the outfielder and Hoskins. His skills behind the plate are game-changing, and he is highly praised by the pitching staff. The team only gets worse if you lose him.
• There has to be an established sense of direction for this team. If Middleton truly believes the Phillies need two or three more years to truly compete, then so be it. If he thinks they can compete for a title next year, then so be it. But, Middleton needs to make it clear.

Right now, the Braves are definitely a better team than the Phillies. The Marlins are their kryptonite. The Nationals are only a year removed from a World Series title. The Mets, which may be the scariest of the bunch because of a fearless new owner in Steve Cohen, only had two fewer wins than the Phillies in 2020.

While I love the Phillies’ core, they cannot continue to waste the primes of Harper and Aaron Nola. Middleton must step in and set things straight; luckily, there is a plenty of time to do so.