MLB spring training is only over a month away from commencing. The Philadelphia Phillies' window to win a World Series with the current core is gradually closing. The club made the 2022 World Series as a sixth seed in the National League but has been unable to return to the Fall Classic in the last two seasons.
The club will return mainly the same roster as last year. The major changes were in the bullpen as closer Carlos Estévez remains a free agent and Jeff Hoffman signed a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. Philadelphia agreed to a one-year contract with closer Jordan Romano. They also traded for Miami Marlins starter Jesús Luzardo. The Phillies have not made any other major changes due to the additional luxury tax penalties they would need to pay. Their roster remains one of the most expensive in the league.
The Phillies will determine who makes their Opening Day roster beginning in February. Injuries during spring training that carry over to the start of the regular season will create opportunities for those players looking to make an impression in the majors.
3 Phillies who shouldn’t be on the 40-man roster by spring training
Are there any players that have a long shot to contribute to the organization, considering how they played with the Phillies in 2024? They may also have several players ahead of them once spring training begins.
Here are three Phillies who shouldn't be on the 40-man roster by spring training.
Buddy Kennedy
Infielder Buddy Kennedy made his MLB debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks back during the 2022 season. He played primarily at second base, starting 22 contests at the position, and posted a slash line of .217/.287/.325 with an OPS of .612 in 30 games.
Kennedy spent 2023 with the Diamondbacks, playing in 10 contests and totaling a .167/.310/.208 line with a .518 OPS. He began last season with the Detroit Tigers, appearing in six games during April. He had a .200/.308/.500 line and a .800 OPS. The Phillies acquired him in a trade for cash in June.
He appeared in 67 games in Triple-A with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs and posted a .294/.400/.500 slash line with an OPS of .900. Kennedy had 19 doubles and 35 RBI. The Phillies called him up to the majors once active rosters expanded in September.
Kennedy struggled with the Phillies, finishing with a .182/.308/.273 line and a .581 OPS in eight games. He played three games at third base, including one start when Alec Bohm was on the IL with a hand injury. The Millville, New Jersey, native did not appear in the postseason with the club.
The 26-year-old will likely not make the Phillies roster. Reserves Edmundo Sosa, Kody Clemens and Weston Wilson are ahead of him on the depth chart for playing time in the infield should Bryson Stott, Trea Turner or Bohm miss time with injuries. Kennedy has been unable to transition his success offensively from the minors in his limited time in the majors. The club may have other young infielders in its farm system who may earn playing time with Philadelphia if needed in 2025.