With the dust settled from a raucous World Series, the Major League Baseball offseason has begun. Philadelphia Phillies fans eagerly await the anticipated moves from the front office, and there will need to be some new faces brought in after all the players we expected elected free agency.
As released by the MLB Players Association, the Phillies have nine players who were part of their 26-man roster this season taking their talents to the free agent market: Walker Buehler, Max Kepler, Tim Mayza, J.T. Realmuto, David Robertson, Jordan Romano, Kyle Schwarber, Ranger Suárez and Lou Trivino.
The biggest names that Phillies fans will be wary of are obviously Schwarber, Realmuto and Suárez. All three have been integral to the Phillies' recent run since that dramatic run to the World Series in 2022. While the final results in the postseason haven't been there, losing any of these veterans will be difficult for the front office to replace.
Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto and Ranger Suárez headline nine Phillies opting free agency
Schwarber is set to cash in after a career season in his contract year. Despite being a designated hitter and turning 33 before Opening Day next spring, the slugger is looking for a rich, multi-year deal. The Phillies have made no bones about wanting to bring him back, but he'lll have other suitors. So, until he signs, nothing is guaranteed.
Realmuto is heading into the twilight of his impressive career. Heading into his age-35 season, he could garner plenty of interest this winter, considering the state of catching. Realmuto isn't the same backstop who was an All-Star in 2021 and earned MVP votes in 2022. After seven seasons in Philadelphia, the Phillies will be hard-pressed to find a replacement who will be as successful at handling the pitching staff.
Suárez has known only the Phillies organization in his professional career after signing in 2012. The left-hander has blossomed into a mid-rotation starter who's capable of Cy Young-worthy stretches. Odds are he won't be back, as it sounds like the 30-year-old is in line for a nice pay raise on a deal that could reach up to six years (subscription required).
Free agent gambles that didn't work out highlight the Phillies' 2025 season
Outfielder Max Kepler was a $10 million free agent signing the front office would probably like to have back. For most of the season, the veteran struggled to fill the everyday role handed to him. He hit just .216 with a .691 OPS in 127 games and won't be in the Phillies' plans next year.
Romano was another bust, speaking of free agent bungles. The Phillies' $8.5 million gamble didn't pay off, as the former All-Star closer stumbled out of the gate and never recovered. He posted a dreadful 8.23 ERA in 42 2/3 innings before finishing the year on the IL.
The rest of the bullpen arms heading to free agency were later-season additions who had a cup of coffee with the Phillies. Right-handers Walker Buehler (who actually made two starts in his three games), David Robertson, Lou Trivino and lefty Tim Mayza filled in holes in the pitching staff down the stretch. Unfortunately none of them turned into the game-changers the Phillies were searching for.
Expect lots of movement this winter as the Phillies will be looking to fill these empty spots on the roster.