Even though the Philadelphia Phillies have been eliminated from the playoffs early (again), there are still four teams battling it out. While the Phillies and 25 other teams have already begun their offseason preparations, the start of Major League Baseball's offseason won't officially begin until after the World Series concludes.
MLB free agency league-wide will open five days after the final out of the World Series. In those five days the Phillies will have exclusive rights to talk to their free agents. If they can't get a deal worked out with their players in that five-day window, it's open season for every other team in the majors.
After another disappointing playoff run, if you can even call it a run, we should see plenty of turnover this winter. While the Phillies haven't had many significant changes in the last couple of offseasons, they have some key names set to hit the free agent market in November.
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and his front office will no doubt attempt to bring some players back, and others (thankfully) will be cut loose to find a new home for 2026.
Every Phillies player set to hit free agency after the 2025 season
Max Kepler, OF
Max Kepler and his one-year, $10 million contract looked like a gigantic bust for much of the season. Even though the outfielder salvaged something of his 2025 season with a late surge, it's hard to look at this signing as anything but a whiff by the front office. Kepler heads into free agency for the second time in his career after hitting .216 with a .691 OPS for the Phillies.
Jordan Romano, RHP
Speaking of whiffs, Jordan Romano couldn't get any this season out of the bullpen. Signed to a one-year, $8.5 million deal coming off an elbow injury in 2024, Romano was a disaster. He posted an 8.23 ERA in 42 2/3 innings before finishing the year on the IL. The Phillies took a gamble and lost and won't entertain the thought of bringing him back next year.
David Robertson, RHP
The third time wasn't the charm for 40-year-old David Robertson, who might decide to finally retire for good after his brief stint with the Phillies. Desperate for bullpen arms, they inked Robertson for about $6 million at the end of July, but he didn't help get the bullpen over the hump down the stretch and in the playoffs. He finished with a 4.08 ERA in 17 2/3 regular season innings.
Tim Mayza, LHP
Tim Mayza joined the Phillies late in the year to add another left-hander to the bullpen. His impact was negligible over the final month of the season, running a 4.91 ERA in 7 1/3 innings. Despite being added to the NLDS roster, Mayza didn't see any action in the playoffs and will look for another opportunity this winter to reboot his career.
Walker Buehler, RHP
The Phillies picked up Walker Buehler late in the year to add veteran depth. He impressed in his three September appearances, with a 0.66 ERA in 13 2/3 innings but didn't get a sniff of the postseason. It would be surprising if any team offered Buehler anything close to the $21 million he got from Boston last offseason, but he'll get a chance somewhere to prove himself as a starter again.
Lou Trivino, RHP
After signing a minor league deal, veteran Lou Trivino got a chance to re-establish himself in the majors when the Phillies selected his contract in late August. He was solid in nine innings out of the bullpen, logging a 2.00 ERA down the stretch. The 34-year-old missed out on the NLDS roster despite his previous playoff experience.
Ranger Suárez, LHP
It will be a sad day in Philadelphia when Ranger Suárez dons a new uniform for the first time in his professional career next season. The lovable lefty went 12-8 with a 3.20 ERA after throwing a career-high 157 1/3 innings. The Phillies would love to have him back, but the writing is on the wall as super-agent Scott Boras will ensure Suárez a hefty multi-year contract.
Kyle Schwarber, DH
If the Phillies want to re-sign Kyle Schwarber, it's going to cost them. The 32-year-old had a career year, posting career bests in OPS (.928), home runs (56), RBIs (132), runs (111), wRC+ (152) and fWAR (4.9). It's well known that the Phillies want to bring him back — he's an integral part of the clubhouse leadership — but how high will they be willing to go for a designated hitter who will be 33 on Opening Day?
J.T. Realmuto, C
Arguably more integral to the current Phillies roster is workhorse catcher J.T. Realmuto. The veteran backstop is lauded for his handling of the pitching staff and played 134 games this season. Coming off his worst offensive season as a Phillie, it's still impossible to see the front office finding anyone better on the free agent market to replace Realmuto, even though he'll be 35 on Opening Day.
Every Phillies player with contract options who could hit free agency after 2025
José Alvarado, LHP ($9 million club option)
It looked like José Alvarado was primed for his best season yet in 2025, getting off to a blazing start as the closer. But then came the 80-game PED suspension in mid-May. He returned for the final six weeks but lasted only three weeks before landing on the IL. The Phillies have already hinted that they will pick up the left-hander's $9 million option, which makes complete sense.
Harrison Bader, OF ($10 million mutual option)
Trading for Harrison Bader at the deadline was a great move for the front office. He was a sparkplug of energy, was a catalyst out of the leadoff spot down the stretch, and played exceptional defense in center field. The Phillies would certainly love to pick up their half of the $10 million mutual option for 2026, but Bader will likely be inclined to seek a multi-year pact in free agency. Maybe that's with the Phillies?