There are plenty of free agents heading to the open market this offseason. While the Philadelphia Phillies will explore every avenue to improve, which top free agents should they not sign this offseason?
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and managing partner John Middleton would prefer the team not have a $400 million payroll. Nevertheless, the club needs to make improvements this winter.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently released his top 50 MLB free agents (subscription required) including which teams would be the best fits for each player. The Phillies are connected as a fit for the top five free agent hitters on Bowden's list, in addition to other names.
However, whether based on performance or for financial reasons, there are some free agents the Phillies might be better off avoiding this offseason.
3 top free agent hitters the Phillies need to avoid this offseason
Cedric Mullins, OF
Cedric Mullins would have been a better addition a few years ago. The center fielder is better suited for a part-time role at this point in his career, according to Bowden. While he would be able to help the Phillies defensively, the 31-year-old has seen a decline in his offensive performance.
His struggles increased following his trade from the Baltimore Orioles to the New York Mets at the deadline. Mullins had a .182/.284/.281 line and a .565 OPS in 42 games with the Mets, in addition to 0.3 bWAR. Overall, Mullins posted a .690 OPS and a slash line of .216/.299/.391 in 133 contests.
The Phillies may need to sign a part-time outfielder this winter. However, Mullins is a left-handed hitter and his offensive numbers should make the front office think twice about signing him, even if he isn't playing full-time.
First Mets HR for Mullins! #LGM pic.twitter.com/IhXhiVD37K
— New York Mets (@Mets) August 10, 2025
Alex Bregman, 3B
Alex Bregman would be an expensive addition in free agency. Do the Phillies really need to make a costly addition at third base? He would certainly help them; he had 3.5 bWAR and a .821 OPS with the Boston Red Sox despite missing over a month with a right quadriceps strain.
However, should they really sign another player in his 30s to a multi-year deal? Bregman will be 32 a few days after Opening Day.
Alec Bohm will be in trade rumors again this winter. If the front office wants to deal Bohm to upgrade other positions of need — the outfield is a priority — they will try to do that. However, the third baseman is under contract for 2026 before becoming a free agent next winter.
The Phillies are also viewed as favorites to re-sign one or both of Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto, which will be costly. Bowden predicts Bregman will sign a six-year, $182 million contract, Schwarber a mammoth five-year, $160 million deal and Realmuto a two-year, $34 million contract. Will the Phillies be willing to spend that amount of money if they are targeting all three players?
Eugenio Suárez, 3B
Unlike the deal Bregman is seeking, Eugenio Suárez will likely be signed to a contract of no more than three years, according to Bowden. Suárez is 34 years old, so the Phillies will have to consider whether he will enter a decline over the coming years or if his age is a factor in signing him.
After doing well with the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first half of the season, with a .897 OPS, 36 home runs, 87 RBIs, and 3.3 bWAR in 106 games, Suárez struggled after being traded to the Seattle Mariners at the trade deadline. The third baseman posted a .682 OPS with 13 home runs, 31 RBIs, and 0.3 bWAR in 53 games in Seattle.
Signing Suárez is not be in the Phillies' best interest, especially on a three-year, $72 million deal. Which player would the Phillies be getting? The top position player at this year's trade deadline, based on his exceptional numbers with the Diamondbacks, or the player who slumped with the Mariners?