The offseason is finally here. The World Series is over (a disgruntled congratulations to the Los Angeles Dodgers) and that means that free agency is right around the corner.
The Philadelphia Phillies have had plenty of time to work out their offseason strategy after losing in the NLDS all those weeks ago. We've heard from Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski a couple of times since then. However, it's still difficult to get a read on exactly how the offseason, which should be an interesting one, will play out in Philadelphia.
So what are the questions we are waiting to get answers to this winter? Here's a handful to start…
1. Which free agents will the Phillies re-sign?
If you somehow haven't heard, the Phillies have some big names heading to free agency. Designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, catcher J.T. Realmuto and left-hander Ranger Suárez headline the group.
There are also the lesser-likes of outfielder Max Kepler and pitchers David Robertson, Walker Buehler, Jordan Romano, Tim Mayza and Lou Trivino. Center field trade deadline addition Harrison Bader will likely decline his half of his $10 million mutual option for 2026 and test the market.
The Phillies will realistically only re-sign two from the first group. Schwarber and Realmuto have to be Dombrowski's priorities, and he has already hinted that Suárez will be the odd man out. They simply can't afford to bring everyone back.
You can see them bringing back Bader if his free agent market isn't as strong as he hopes. He'll turn 32 next year, so paying for a career season seems risky. Although, he offers elite defense and the Phillies have been bargain hunting over the last couple of offseasons, and look where that's gotten them.
Perhaps they offer opportunities to left-hander Mayza and the righty Trivino to supplement the bullpen. Robertson won't pitch a full season if he even plans to pitch again next year. Buehler will probably get an opportunity to start somewhere else. You can bet Romano won't be back.
2. Will the Phillies finally trade Alec Bohm?
Teams called about Alec Bohm last offseason. He was coming off a career year and the Phillies reportedly were asking a lot. They never found a taker.
After a struggle in 2025, Bohm's value won't be as high, especially with just one year of team control left. With a projected arbitration salary north of $10 million, the Phillies might still try to move him to save some money.
As The Athletic's Matt Gelb notes, a team strapped for offense might take a chance on Bohm (subscription required), but not for a top prospect, if the Phillies' goal is indeed to get younger. He thinks they could seek a deal for a player with similar service time and salary who is a better fit on the roster. But that will limit the options.
If they somehow sign Alex Bregman, Bohm will be out the door. But that also feels like a far-fetched scheme.
3. What does Nick Castellanos' future in Philadelphia look like?
Nick Castellanos' future as a Phillie feels like it's nonexistent at this point. He wasn't happy about how things played out for him this season and butted heads with manager Rob Thomson more than once, in very public fashion.
This season was arguably Castellanos' worst in his four years in Philadelphia, even more so than 2022. He hit .250 with a .694 OPS, 17 home runs and 72 RBIs, posting career lows with 90 wRC+ and -0.6 fWAR. He graded as one of the worst defensive outfielders, with the lowest outs above average (-12) and second-worst fielding run value (-12).
The real question is if the Phillies can find a trade partner who will take on at least some of Castellanos' $20 million salary in 2026. Or will they be forced to outright release him and just pay him his money?
Either way, it would be surprising if he's playing right field at Citizens Bank Park next season.
4. Are the Phillies really going to trade Bryce Harper?
No.
5. How much will the Phillies' plans rely on prospects in 2026?
It looks like the Phillies will head into 2026 with spots open for some young players to make their mark. How that will turn out is anyone's guess.
The top two names on everyone's mind are right-hander Andrew Painter (Phillies No. 1, MLB No. 16) and outfielder Justin Crawford (Phillies No.3, MLB No. 54).
From all accounts, Painter will have a shot to earn an Opening Day starting rotation spot despite his struggles in his first year back from Tommy John surgery. That will inform the Phillies' stance on free agent starting pitching. Don't expect them to go out and sign someone unless it's to a minor league contract as a depth move.
Crawford will also have a chance to start the year on the MLB roster. The Phillies have plenty of work to do on the outfield this offseason, but with Crawford penciled in, there's one spot (hopefully) covered.
Shortstop Aidan Miller (Phillies No. 2, MLB No. 32) could be in the team's plans a some point in 2026. It's unlikely to be on Opening Day. He'll need more reps in Triple-A, especially if the Phillies want him to move positions.
We should get a better handle on how much the Phillies expect these youngsters to be a factor next year based on their moves over the offseason. Stay tuned.