8 Phillies offseason signings and trades ranked by potential impact in 2026

Another offseason brought changes to every MLB club, including the Philadelphia Phillies. While the Phillies didn't have quite as eventful an offseason as some other teams that made many more and bigger additions via free agency and trade, they still made more moves than many fans are giving them credit for.

The Phillies front office re-signed two of their key veterans and brought in many new players who they are counting on this season or who are competing for spots on the Opening Day roster.

With plenty of new and returning players who are eager to make an impact beginning in spring training, let's take a look at eight players who were signed, re-signed, or acquired via trade this offseason ranked by their potential impact this year.

Ranking 8 of Phillies' offseason signings and trades by potential impact in 2026

No. 8: Zach McCambley, RHP

Reliever Zach McCambley was the Phillies' 2025 Rule 5 Draft pick from the Miami Marlins. In 47 games in Double- and Triple-A, the 26-year-old posted a 2-3 record, with a 2.90 ERA, 83 strikeouts, a 1.10 WHIP, and 22 walks in 47 contests.

Due to his Rule 5 status, McCambley is a strong candidate to make the Opening Day roster. The Phillies have high hopes that he can win a bullpen job this spring. The right-hander got off to a solid start in his first Grapefruit League appearance, striking out one and walking one in a scoreless inning of work.

No. 7: Kyle Backhus, LHP

Philadelphia traded minor league outfielder Avery Owusu-Asiedu to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Kyle Backhus on Dec. 19. The left-hander debuted in the major leagues last year with a 0-3 record, a 4.62 ERA, a 1.42 WHIP, 22 strikeouts, and eight walks in 32 relief appearances. As a sidearmer, Backhus brings a unique look with one of the lowest arm angles in the majors.

With left-handers José Alvarado and Tanner Banks secure in their roles, the Phillies will possibly be looking for another lefty to join the Opening Day roster. Backhus is competing with right-hander Zach Pop and fellow lefties Tim Mayza and Génesis Cabrera, as well as many other non-roster invitees, for a bullpen job during spring training.

No. 6: Jonathan Bowlan, RHP

The Phillies acquired Jonathan Bowlan from the Kansas City Royals for Matt Strahm in December. He received his biggest role to date in the majors in 2025 with the Royals, appearing in 34 games and compiling a 3.86 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP, with 46 strikeouts and 17 walks.

The Phillies like Bowlan, who seems to have a bullpen job locked up at this point. He looks poised for a breakout this season thanks to a nasty arsenal and one of the best sinkers in the game. He threw a clean inning in his first spring outing, registering a strikeout.

No. 5: Dylan Moore, UTL

Dylan Moore agreed to a minor-league contract with the Phillies on Jan. 30. He isn't known for his offense, with a career slash line of .206/.310/.383 and a .693 OPS, with 63 home runs and 198 RBIs in parts of seven major league seasons, but he provides value as a super utility player with Gold Glove defense.

The 33-year-old has played in 205 games at second base, 154 in left field, 128 at shortstop, 108 in right field, and 90 at third. Moore could be a valuable bench player for a team like the Phillies, although he'd likely have to make the team out of camp as he has a spring training opt-out clause in his contract.

No. 4: J.T. Realmuto, C

J.T. Realmuto agreed to a three-year, $45 million contract in January to continue his career in Philadelphia. The 34-year-old will be relied upon as a strong defensive presence behind home plate for the organization in 2026.

Realmuto's offense has been steadily declining. His home run totals have dipped since 2022. He slashed .257/.315/.384, with 12 home runs and 52 RBI, along with a .699 OPS in 134 games in 2025. The veteran will be serviceable for the Phillies, but how much longer can he be effective playing 130+ games, barring injury?

No. 3: Brad Keller, RHP

Brad Keller signed a two-year, $22 million contract with the Phillies back on Dec. 18. The right-hander compiled a 4-2 record with a 2.07 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP, both career bests, over 69 2/3 innings in 68 games with the Chicago Cubs in 2025.

Following the trade of Strahm, Keller is expected to be one of the top options in a late relief/setup role out of the bullpen this year. The native of Snellville, Georgia, will be a reliable option for the Phillies if he can repeat the solid season he had with the Cubs.

No. 2: Adolis García, OF

Right fielder Adolis García has already been a welcome change for the organization and fan base thanks to his demeanor compared to his predecessor, Nick Castellanos. García is ready to bring his energy to Philadelphia after agreeing to a one-year, $10 million contract on Dec. 15.

The native of Ciego de Avila, Cuba, is seeking a bounce-back year at the plate from the last two seasons. The 2023 ALCS MVP will undoubtedly be an improvement defensively over Castellanos in right field but will need to take advantage of the hitter-friendly confines of Citizens Bank Park to get back on track offensively (subscription required).

No. 1: Kyle Schwarber, DH/OF

The Phillies prioritized their offseason around re-signing Kyle Schwarber. He agreed to a five-year, $150 million contract on Dec. 9. The club's primary designated hitter had the best season of his career in 2025, slugging 56 home runs with 132 RBIs and a slash line of .240/.365/.563 with a .928 OPS in 162 games.

The pressure is on the Middletown, Ohio, native to produce a season comparable to his career-best season last year. Will Schwarber come close to last year's totals? Producing a minimum of approximately 40 home runs and 100 RBIs with an .850 OPS is a reasonable projection for the veteran power hitter.