Phillies 2025-2026 Hot Stove Discussion

[fish]

Per Miller- he missed time for a bunch of odd reasons - personal matters, skin in infection and whatever else- I think that weighed on his overall performance but the quality of his ABs was still there. I can’t say that those issues won’t be there next year or that he’ll be ready for the big leagues in spring, but he’s the kind of infusion they need and Bohm’s the kind of chip to be creative with.

As for Harper, I don’t think the issue was that he was “swinging for the fences”, I think he was trying to make up for bat speed that used to be there. Hopefully it’s something he just needs to heal as opposed to loss from age.

[flyers19rw]

They’ve run it back several times and missed the prize. That’s not a viable path for ‘26. There are lots of sensible options out there to reshape the club. What will happen depends on DD’s creativity and Middleton’s willingness to spend.

[allentown]

It's disappointing to only win a single playoff game, but I can't write off a 96-win season as a fail. I could be ok with largely running it back, if we could get J.T. and Schwarber, Bader, and Suarez for just one year, which we can't. I'm a hard no on Castellanos returning. We need another SP, a reliever, and a replacement for Kepler. The Castellanos 26-man spot goes to Crawford. I hope Painter can fill in for Wheeler out of ST.

[EDmuch]

I really liked Murphy's article in today's paper emphasizing the need for one more RH power bat. I think in DD's mind, Castellanos was supposed to replace Hoskins. That was somewhat understandable at the time. Casty was coming off a magnificent season for Cincinnati. But it is now beyond debate Casty is not the answer. They have to fill that spot.

[andyb]

We got Casty when we still had Hoskins though. I know they could have anticipated him leaving but I really feel that DD was thinking that Bohm would grow into a 30 HR bat. And Turner coming aboard with 20 HR power probably gave the sense that the lineup cumulatively would have more power.

And we should stop associating Castellanos with Crawford replacing him (Atown comment). They are independent. Casty not coming back depends on bringing a right-handed bat in. And if that has power it is going to cost us since we are on the books for most or all of Casty's contract. Crawford might replace Kepler or Marsh or both of them. Most likely Kepler though that costs the lineup even more power overall.

[zambonir]

Yeah technically they replaced Hoskins in the line-up (and financially) with Turner, though it's also true that both Casty and Bohm were meant to pick up some of that slack in the middle of the order. As flawed as the Casty contract (and its inexplicable fifth year) was they were not thinking about Rhys leaving in two years when they signed him. Trading Nick and keeping Rhys was certainly something to consider but that only would have worked if Harper went back to RF. And in the end Rhys himself did not end up being more offensively productive than Casty anyway. And most of the RHBs that were available in FA last year stunk too.

I saw a post that said Kepler would love to come back. Hard to see that. If they bring Bader back that pretty much takes care of Casty's spot. It just doesn't solve the offensive hole.

[Jazzhead]

I'm of the view that the key to 2026 is resigning Ranger Suarez (and JT). Keeping Suarez keeps our starting pitching able to dominate a postseason (as it in fact did against the Dodgers).

Schwarber at $200 - $250 million to DH is a luxury we cannot afford. I love the guy, but someone is going to offer him big, big money and I'd rather rather free up that money for other needs. Like Bader in CF. Harp and JT can DH, or maybe trade for Brent Rooker.

[andyb]

Bringing Bader back would probably tell us they don't feel awesome about Crawford in CF and want to hedge their bets. As we know, opinions diverge widely on Crawford over both his offensive approach AND his defense. If Crawford becomes a LF it is a really hard path for him to be very good without power. His play is a much better fit for CF. There was lots of talk about easing him in LF first to gain experience. Signing Bader for 3 years would negate that and lower Crawford's value.

I want Crawford to get a real chance in CF. It is the path for him to becoming the most valuable player he can become (along with hitting the ball on the ground less).

[zambonir]

The A's just signed Rooker to a five-year deal last year and they still have to meet a salary floor. Never say never but I think they want him to play in Las Vegas (of course that might not happen before his deal is up).

I still see it differently, the Phillies were competitive in the NLDS against a great team despite only having 3 1/2 starting pitchers. That the Dodgers outflanked us with converted starters seems like more of a quirk of bullpen follies for both teams. But either way, the current line-up wasn't good enough to give the great pitching run support in three of the four games. Subtract Schwarber from that and don't add a bigger bat than Nick, and it will be the same again. Really, they just need to spend like the Dodgers and do it all.

Bader is a tough one. Good CF. Good personality. But a subpar or worse offensive player for three seasons before this one, and he'll be 32 next year, how long will he be a good CF? Lots of ways you'd like to have him back but not sure he'll be worth market price.

Schwarber is not going to get $200 million or 250 million. 120-150 for four or five years, Maybe a little more depending on which term/AAV. Alonso couldn't even get a single offer last year. Now he supposedly wants a seven-year deal.

[zambonir]

Yeah as I implied in my cross-post I don't consider Bader a priority, and a Crawford/Bader/Marsh OF isn't really an upgrade (and could easily have Castellanos in that mix as the short platoon if he was willing - also not an upgrade). Marsh/Crawford/new guy is the best path. Assuming Marsh isn't traded. Heck, assuming Crawford isn't (but along with not wanting to give up on a younger guy, supposedly no other team in MLB values Crawford as much as the Phillies do anyway).

[Jazzhead]

Well, if you're right about $120-150 million four or five years then I'd be in on Schwarber.

[zambonir]

> “I’d take the under on $100 million, but it’s not impossible,” an AL executive said.

> Among those we spoke to, the consensus is that Schwarber should land a deal of four or five years for at least $30 million per season. The days of signing players into their 40s are largely a thing of the past, but locking up Schwarber through his age-36 or age-37 season seems like it should be in play.

> “I don’t think it will be a lot of teams pursuing him because of the cost, his age and defensive value -- which is none,” an AL executive said. “I expect that a lot of good teams with money will explore shorter-term, high-AAV possibilities with him.”

https://www.mlb.com/news/kyle-schwarber-free-agent-market-2025-26-offseason

[andyb]

I think the deal will be 4 years but closer to $150 million than $120 million.

[zambonir]

But wouldn't it better for the Phillies if it was 150/5? When they did five years with Nick there didn't seem to be any value in reduced AAV (he got the same money as Kyle, just one more year).

And, will they tack a year onto Rob's deal?

Rob Thomson Will Return As Phillies' Manager In 2026

And I believe Long's contract actually is up. I don't imagine Schwarber wants a new hitting coach.

[xyzabc25]

According to Jayson Stark of The Athletic (and David Murphy of the Inquirer stated a bit differently), the Phillies need a new Right-Handed power bat to in the lineup between or after Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, and TWO if Schwarber leaves in free agency. One name mentioned, has been Alex Bregman, who can opt out if his Red Sox deal. He is a good candidate for several reasons, age including consistency, power, relative affordability, leadership (except for clanging metal lids). He does create a dilemma when Aidan Miller is elevated because the Phils will be oner crowded with infielders. That may not be a risk DD wants to take. Since Brent Rooker of the A's appears unlikely, what other good RH power bats should be considered?

[andyb]

More likely they would look for a right-handed bat in the trade market rather than free agency. Bregman, Alonso, and Suarez are the 3 big right-handed free agent power threats and the latter two seem like DHs in a few years. Or just get an Austin Hays type and don't really solve the problem completely (but save money and prospects for other problems).

[BaseballCat]

As far as I can see, Miller has only played SS and DH in the minors. I would like him to get some time at 3rd before we call him an answer for next year. I lean more on the conservative side in promoting prospects. I see him needing significant time playing there and hitting well at AAA. Both he and Crawford are 21. If they thought Crawford was ready after spring training, I would be ok with that. I hope once they are up, they stay up. That’s my 5 cents, plus I agree we need a RH power bat.

[andyb]

Miller did play a little 3B in the prospect showcase and other non-league forums this year and he continues to practice it. I think the Phillies just want to keep SS in play as long as they can and get his bat ready which will require at least half of next season in the minors if not more. Also, Turner got better at SS this year so the need to move him is still probably 2-3 years away.

It does not really matter where Miller plays. SS, 3B, and 2B are all places he can play and the decision as to where will be made based upon circumstances when he is ready. Bohm has 1 year until free agency and Stott 2. So positions will likely open up even before we consider a Robin Yount CF move for Turner.

[EDmuch]

A trade with the Angels seems like a reasonable bet for Adell or Ward.

[xyzabc25]

I like both players with the Angels. Either one would play a corner, Adell RF, Ward LF. Agreed that Miller needs AAA until at least September.