How long are the Philadelphia Phillies going to make us wait for their first move of the offseason? In the lead-up to the MLB Winter Meetings, which start Sunday evening, the Phillies have been in all sorts of updates, rumors, and speculation. Unfortunately, for fans, nothing as yet has happened.
With big free agent re-signings of Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto still on the table, most other speculation has taken a backseat. But after two disappointing playoff performances in a row, the Phillies seem to know that some major changes are needed.
So let’s get caught up on the latest things that we’ve heard about possible trades and free agent interest before the Winter Meetings begin.
Phillies News: Mariners emerge as potential trade destination for Matt Strahm
The Phillies have reportedly fielded interest in their left-handed relievers from other teams early this offseason. With Matt Strahm’s $7.5 million vesting option kicking in for 2026, he might be one arm the Phillies would be willing to move.
This week it was reported by The Seattle Times' Adam Jude that the Seattle Mariners are considering Strahm as a trade option. The Mariners are looking for bullpen help (isn’t everyone?) and the 34-year-old southpaw has caught their eye.
Strahm threw 62 1/3 innings this season with a 2.74 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP, and 70 strikeouts. Over the last two seasons, he has proven to be invaluable to the Phillies bullpen with a 2.30 ERA and 149 strikeouts in 125 innings.
Whether the Phillies would feel comfortable subtracting Strahm from the bullpen, probably hinges on the return offered by the Mariners.
Phillies’ Cody Bellinger interest confirmed as real by Jeff Passan
We kept seeing the Phillies included in rumors about free agent outfielder Cody Bellinger. After Jon Heyman mentioned last week that the Phillies are "lurking" around Bellinger's free agency, ESPN’s Jeff Passan confirmed the Phillies interest in the former MVP on Friday in a Winter Meetings preview.
Passan lumped the Phillies in with the New York Yankees and New York Mets as not only being reasonable landing spots for Japanese starter Tatsuya Imai, but as teams all with interest in Bellinger.
It sure feels like a good match. The Phillies need outfielders. Bellinger, despite being a left-handed bat, mashed lefty pitching this year. The 30-year-old hit .353 with a 1.016 OPS and eight home runs in 176 plate appearances versus southpaws. Overall, he hit .272 with an .813 OPS, 29 home runs, 98 RBIs and 13 stolen bases for the Yankees.
Realistically, any Phillies pursuit of Bellinger will likely only come if they swing and miss on re-signing Schwarber. Still, it wouldn't be a bad consolation prize.
Phillies get small foothold in Japan after signing amateur pitcher
The Phillies haven't had much luck breaking into the Japanese free agent market. After failing miserably with last year's minor-league signing of Koyo Aoyagi, they're still looking for their big break over there. They might have gained a small foothold after reportedly agreeing to a minor league contract with right-hander Alexandre Moreti, according to Tyler Poitras of Phillies Tailgate.
Moreti, 18, recently graduated from Homare High School in Komaki and is the Phillies' first amateur signing directly out of Japan. Even though the name doesn't necessarily sound Japanese, Moreti was born a raised in Japan. His father is Italian-Brazilian, and his mother is Japanese.
While not much is known about Moreti at this time, reports from Japan indicate that he has an elite cutter, per Poitras. At 6-foot-3, he also throws a fastball, slider, and forkball. He reportedly drew interest from NPB and MLB teams before agreeing to sign with the Phillies.
We'll keep an eye out for more details when the Phillies make the signing official in the coming days.