The offseason hasn't gone the way many Philadelphia Phillies fans had hoped. After two consecutive NLDS exits, fans wanted to see some significant change.
Despite what Phillies manager Rob Thomson and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski say, the team will be running it back in 2026. A few faces won’t be back, and a few new ones are in the picture, but for the most part, the Phillies will be counting on the same core group to get the job done.
It was never a given that the Phillies would add a star player this offseason due to their already high payroll, but fans started to get their hopes up after the team was linked to multiple high-profile free agents and trade targets. Bo Bichette signing with the New York Mets after reportedly being close to joining the Phillies on a long-term deal was a massive gut punch.
Todd Zolecki doesn’t think Phillies are done building roster ahead of spring training
There aren’t many impact free agents available, but that doesn’t mean the Phillies are done adding to the roster. Phillies insider Todd Zolecki recently detailed the aftermath of Bichette signing with the Mets and the Phillies’ next potential moves as spring training nears.
"I don't think Dave Dombrowski is completely satisfied," Zolecki said about the Phillies’ plans for the rest of the offseason during a recent appearance on MLB Network. "I think he's going to continue to build."
"I don't think Dave Dombrowski is completely satisfied, I think he's going to continue to build."@ToddZolecki details the aftermath in Philadelphia of Bo Bichette's free agency decision and the Phillies' next potential moves this offseason. #MLBTonight pic.twitter.com/taO2rbDou8
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 24, 2026
Dombrowski has repeatedly said that he’s content with the team heading into the season and reiterated that after missing out on Bichette. However, Zolecki believes the Phillies could still be in the market for more starting pitching and another bench bat.
The Phillies’ starting rotation was a strength in 2025, but there’s some skepticism surrounding the group for 2026. Zack Wheeler doesn’t have a timetable to return from his thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, Aaron Nola is coming off the worst season of his career, Andrew Painter has never pitched in a big league game and Ranger Suárez signed a five-year deal with the Boston Red Sox this offseason.
It’s unlikely the Phillies sign a top-of-the-rotation starter like Framber Valdez, but there are plenty of under-the-radar options that can make an impact in both the starting rotation and the bullpen as a swingman. The team has also been reportedly looking into another capable right-handed hitting outfielder to serve as a platoon option with Brandon Marsh in left field.
It may seem like a disappointing offseason for the Phillies, especially after the Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers made multiple notable additions. For what it’s worth, the Phillies have a star-studded team of their own and are coming off a season where they had the second-best record in the majors.
The biggest question is whether the Phillies’ offense can finally live up to the moment and perform in the playoffs.