The 2025 MLB Winter Meetings are right around the corner, potentially setting the scene for trades and free agent acquisitions. The Philadelphia Phillies will have their ears peeled to better their Major League roster as the rumors swirl through the remainder of the offseason. The Winter Meetings is a great place for discussions, giving the Phillies optimal time to make necessary deals ahead of the 2026 regular season.
The Phillies really need to nail the Winter Meetings this year, given the sensitive position the team is in after another short-lived playoff run. They need to take a hard look at the current roster and take chances that may not have been previously considered.
And they certainly can't have a repeat of their only Winter Meetings move last year and be satisfied with mediocrity.
Phillies' only move of 2024 Winter Meetings was a complete and utter failure
In the few short days of players, agents, and teams brainstorming ideas at the 2024 Winter Meetings, the Phillies' lone signing was reliever Jordan Romano. Signed for one year at $8.5 million, it seemed relatively cheap for a previous All-Star closer, but quickly became one of the worst free agent signings in recent Phillies memory.
Romano finished 2025 with an unexpected new low of -1.7 bWAR, an 8.23 ERA, a 1.45 WHIP, and 47 strikeouts in 42 2/3 innings. The Phillies were forced to lean on Romano as a closer after the suspension of José Alvarado. They then had to supplement the best they could until they made the big splash of landing Jhoan Duran at the trade deadline.
The Phillies' bullpen was one of the big blunders this season, greatly influenced by their choice of Romano. He was great in 2023 with a 2.90 ERA and 36 saves but was injured in 2024 and a shell of his former self.
The Phillies were hoping they could catch lightning in a bottle on a team-friendly deal, but perhaps they should try signing a more established and healthy alternative at this year's Winter Meetings. Bouncing back from injury can be great if the team can get that out of the player, but the Phillies unfortunately experienced a complete dud.
The Phillies don't have to be the biggest spenders at the Winter Meetings, but staying active and in talks would be best for them. The Phillies need an identity shift, and talking to multiple MLB clubs and free agents could get the ball rolling for something bigger down the road.
The Phillies have spoken about trading from their MLB roster, so maybe they'll finally pull the trigger on dealing Nick Castellanos to the Pittsburgh Pirates or Miami Marlins or trading Alec Bohm to another contender. Either way, it has to be better than watching Romano trying to hold a lead of any kind in some of the most important games of the year.