2. Add another starter to the rotation
The Phillies need to enter spring training with an improved solution to the end of their starting rotation. Taijuan Walker missed the start of the regular season due to an injury and was not reliable when he was on the mound.
Walker compiled a 6.50 ERA in 14 starts before Thomson moved him to the bullpen. He allowed six earned runs in two starts during late August. He received one more start in September, in which he surrendered eight earned runs and a whopping four home runs in only 3 1/3 innings pitched.
Walker may have an opportunity to earn a starting opportunity in spring training, but the club may trade him this winter. Philadelphia would have to absorb some of his remaining salary as he is owed $18 million in 2025 and 2026.
Prospect Andrew Painter is participating in the Arizona Fall League after missing all of 2024, recovering from Tommy John surgery. The 21-year-old may be ready to debut in the majors next year, but the Phillies should not rush or count on him to open 2025 in the starting rotation. He may be ready to debut during the summer or in the fall of next season. The right-hander has a better chance of competing for a rotation spot in 2026.
Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Cristopher Sánchez are the top three starters in the Phillies rotation. Ranger Suárez had a mixed season in 2024, as he looked like a Cy Young candidate during the early portion of the regular season. Beginning in his last start at the end of June, he did not look like the same pitcher. The left-hander went on the IL toward the end of July with a back injury and did not return until near the end of August.
Suárez totaled an outstanding 1.83 ERA in his first 16 starts over the first three months of the regular season. He went 10-2 and allowed 20 earned runs, six home runs, and 19 walks. Beginning in July until the end of September, he had a 6.04 ERA. The 29-year-old allowed 32 earned runs, seven home runs, and 20 walks in 10 starts. Overall, he is considered to be nothing more than a number three starter in the rotation.
If the Phillies decide to trade Walker this offseason, they may sign a free agent to enter next year as a starter. They could also acquire a starter in a trade to compete for the number five spot in their rotation.
The Phillies were interested in previously acquiring Chicago White Sox starter Garrett Crotchet at July's trade deadline. However, Philly did not want to part with Painter in a deal. Could they renew their interest in trading for the left-hander this winter? Despite Chicago's terrible season, the 25-year-old starter had a 3.58 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP, and 209 strikeouts. He will have his share of teams interested in trading for him this offseason.
If the Phillies do not want to pay a hefty price in a deal for Crotchet, another starter they could show interest in acquiring via trade is St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Sonny Gray. The veteran had a 3.84 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP, and 203 strikeouts in 28 starts in 2024. He could be a good starter for Philly at the back of their rotation.
Some notable starting pitchers available in free agency include Jack Flaherty, Nathan Eovaldi, Corbin Burnes, and Max Fried. The issue needs to be resolved before the start of the 2025 regular season, as it is one of the glaring concerns on Philadelphia's roster.