MLB insider tells Phillies fans exactly what they want to hear about offseason changes

After another short, failed postseason run, Philadelphia Phillies fans are clamoring for change this offseason. Recently, MLB insider Jayson Stark told 97.5 The Fanatic's Unfiltered with Ricky Bottalico and Bill Colarulo, and Phillies fans, exactly what they want to hear about the likelihood of the organization making significant changes.

Stark recently authored a piece for The Athletic explaining why the Phillies can't run it back with this team for another year (subscription required). From what he told Bottalico and Colarulo, Stark believes president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and managing partner John Middleton know changes need to be made to the roster and coaching staff.

MLB insider Jayson Stark says Phillies fans should expect bold offseason changes

"I think Dave Dombrowski and John Middleton are listening to us fans. I think there will be changes over the next few months that reflect that. I think there will be some changes to the coaching staff, that'll be very interesting," Stark said about Dombrowski's mindset this offseason.

With manager Rob Thomson returning, which other coaches could be on the move?

Pitching coach Caleb Cotham's job appears to be safe following praise from Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. Bullpen coach Cesár Ramos or assistant pitching coach Mark Lowy could be let go. Considering the issues with their offense during the NLDS, what does the future hold for hitting coaches Kevin Long, Dustin Lind and Rafael Pena?

Regarding potential changes on the roster, Stark mentioned several names.

"I can't see Nick Castellanos returning. I think [the Phillies front office] will make a big effort to trade Alec Bohm a year out from free agency," Stark said. "Does it get bigger than that? It might. I think Justin Crawford is the left fielder of the future, and they don't think Brandon Marsh is a center fielder. I think he is in play [to be traded]. Dave knows he can't bring this group back intact. He will be bold, and that could mean anything."

Considering both Castellanos and Bohm have a year remaining on their contracts before free agency, it does make sense for Dombrowski to try to trade them rather than lose both of them for nothing a year from now. Stark mentioned the Phillies shouldn't exercise José Alvarado's $9 million club option for next season based on his suspension in the regular season and sustaining a forearm strain not long after he returned to the team.

Regarding free agents Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto and Ranger Suárez, Stark gave predictions on what will happen with the trio's futures.

"When I talk to other front offices, they just assume the Phillies are going to do whatever it takes to bring back Kyle Schwarber, and I think he wants to be back. That would really be a shock if he left," Stark said. "Ranger is highly unlikely [to re-sign with the Phillies]. [Philadelphia] wants J.T. back; he's really important to what they do. He's one [player] I would watch very closely. I don't know how they can re-sign Schwarber [to a multi-year contract] at $30 [or more million] a year and keep J.T."

Stark mentioned one veteran free agent that the Phillies could sign to help win the World Series in 2026: Alex Bregman. He suggested they sign him to replace Bohm at third base and trade Realmuto to offset Bregman's expensive contract.

Stark also noted the rise of Aidan Miller in Philadelphia's prospect system. The young shortstop could be ready to make his MLB debut late next year or sometime during 2027.

Stark, who has covered Dombrowski for over 20 years and said the executive has always made bold moves with teams when he felt the time was right to do so, said he would be surprised if the Phillies did not make some shocking moves this winter. The fan base has had enough with this current roster. Dombrowski and Middleton know they need to make changes.