The Philadelphia Phillies have had a decent offseason so far. They took care of the top concern on their agenda by re-signing Kyle Schwarber to a five-year deal. The front office has made changes in their bullpen and agreed to a one-year contract with Adolis García to be their new right fielder next year.
However, what mistakes can president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski correct not long before the start of 2026?
Dombrowski hasn't made the right decision on every move this winter. Whether it be letting an affordable free agent that would have strengthened a position of need for the Phillies sign elsewhere or not yet making the appropriate addition to improve another position group, he can still make upgrades as the end of the year approaches.
What improvements could he make to the roster by Dec. 31?
3 offseason mistakes Phillies can fix before the New Year
1. Sign a more experienced RHH outfielder to platoon in left field
Veteran right-handed hitting backup outfielder Rob Refsnyder represented the ideal free agent addition to pair with left-handed batter Brandon Marsh in left field. Refsnyder has been one of the more successful right-handed batters against left-handed pitching in MLB over the last few years.
Even though they have Otto Kemp as an option, signing Refsnyder was not going to be an expensive contract. The Phillies front office shouldn't be pleased with itself after Refsnyder agreed to a one-year, $6.25 million contract with the Seattle Mariners on Monday.
While Dombrowski has expressed optimism about the right-handed hitting Kemp platooning in left with Marsh next season (subscription required), Kemp is inexperienced compared to some options still available in free agency.
2. Add a free agent starting pitcher on a short-term contract
If the Phillies intend to use the recently signed Brad Keller exclusively as a reliever, Dombrowski should consider adding another free agent starter on a short-term deal. Chris Bassitt, Jose Quintana, Zach Eflin, and Max Scherzer are some of the available options who could fit in this role with Philadelphia.
The Phillies signed Spencer Turnbull in 2024, and he was a great find for the rotation at the beginning of the season. Right now, the Phillies are relying on one of Taijuan Walker or and top prospect Andrew Painter to grab a rotation spot in spring training. But with Zack Wheeler's return date unknown and Painter a question mark, another rotation arm would go a long way.
3. Make a decision on their starting catcher
The Phillies have reportedly made an offer to free agent J.T. Realmuto. However, the veteran backstop has not re-signed yet.
To get the uncertainty around catcher resolved, Dombrowski will need to either make a better contract offer or quickly pivot and make a change. There may be a better option for Philadelphia to pursue via trade than sign in free agency.
Realmuto would be a solid option to bring back despite his decline as a hitter over the past couple of years. The Phillies know what to expect from him. Re-signing Realmuto or acquiring another starting catcher by the end of 2025 will lessen the uncertainty Philadelphia has at the position.