Following the one-year contract that the Philadelphia Phillies agreed to with Adolis García this week, the club's roster for next year continues to take shape. The addition confirms that Nick Castellanos will not be with the team by the start of the 2026 regular season, as García will be their starting right fielder.
The Phillies already took care of their biggest priority this winter in re-signing Kyle Schwarber to a five-year contract for $150 million. However, even with Schwarber and García in place, the team has other moves to make this winter to shore up some weak links on the roster.
Which other roster needs does president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski need to prioritize at this point in the offseason?
3 weak positions Phillies need to focus on following the addition of Adolis García
1. Adding a reserve veteran outfielder
Right now, Brandon Marsh is the Phillies' top option to play left field. Manager Rob Thomson gave the outfielder the opportunity at the beginning of this year to show whether he could be a starter but it didn't work out very well. Marsh is a platoon player.
Otto Kemp, Johan Rojas, and prospect Gabriel Rincones Jr. will compete for playing time in reserve outfield roles during spring training.
Rojas was sent down to the minors this season following the trade deadline acquisition of Harrison Bader. He was in trade rumors earlier this offseason due to playing well in the Dominican League. He could still be involved in a trade this winter. Utility player Weston Wilson's role with the Phillies for next year is unknown.
According to Dombrowski, Philadelphia envisions prospect Justin Crawford playing center field in 2026. This news confirms they won't re-sign Bader. It's still possible they could add another backup outfielder for depth this winter or during spring training.
Some veteran options in free agency the Phillies could consider signing to a one-year deal in an outfield reserve role include Jesse Winker or Rob Refsnyder. Refsnyder would give the Phillies another right-handed hitting option off their bench. He also hits left-handed pitching well, slashing .311/.405/.502 with a .907 OPS over the last five years against lefties.
2. Finding a starting catcher
Will Philadelphia re-sign J.T. Realmuto? The Phillies have made an offer to the veteran backstop, but they are waiting for him to make a decision. If he does not return, Dombrowski may look to trade for a younger catcher, as there aren't many viable options available in free agency.
It would be surprising if Realmuto doesn't return. While the team wants Realmuto back, is he the best option for the Phillies? He continues to decline offensively and will turn 35 in March. They will need another catcher eventually if he re-signs, as he is projected to sign a deal for only up to two years.
Bringing the veteran backstop back rather than acquiring a younger player at the position also puts Dombrowski in familiar territory. He has kept veteran teams together for longer than necessary, as they eventually decline due to age and require a rebuild. While prospects Andrew Painter and Crawford are expected to be on the Phillies roster next year, the team is primarily comprised of experienced veterans in their late 20s and early to mid-30s.
3. Adding a setup reliever
The Phillies exercised José Alvarado's $9 million club option for 2026 earlier this offseason. The other relievers Thomson will consider for the setup role currently are Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering. However, the bullpen could use another late-inning, high-leverage reliever.
Many free agent relievers have already signed. Two of the Phillies' division rivals have made bullpen moves this winter. The New York Mets lost closer Edwin Díaz to the Los Angeles Dodgers but added Devin Williams. Raisel Iglesias is returning to the Atlanta Braves on a one-year contract, and they also signed Robert Suarez to a three-year contract. They have a formidable pairing of relievers in their setup and closer roles for 2026.
The best option remaining in free agency for the Phillies to add to their bullpen is Pete Fairbanks. The right-hander has been one of the more consistent closers since 2023 with the Tampa Bay Rays. He has finished with 25, 23, and 27 saves, respectively, in each of the last three seasons.
The 32-year-old would improve the bullpen depth and would be a solid setup reliever for closer Jhoan Duran. Fairbanks would provide the Phillies with a better option who has had plenty of recent success in a closer's role compared to Alvarado, Strahm, or Kerkering, should Duran get injured.