Philadelphia will see Rob Thomson return as manager next season, following a contract extension that will keep him in place through 2026. The entire coaching staff will also stay on board for the 2025 season. This decision implies that the Philadelphia Phillies are attributing their recent postseason struggles more to the well-paid players’ performances during critical games rather than the decision-making of the current coaching staff, who are striving for a World Series victory.
Rob Thomson and his team are set to continue, but questions linger about the rest of the player roster. While stars like Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, J.T. Realmuto, Zack Wheeler, and Aaron Nola are expected to remain, other players such as Alec Bohm, Brandon Marsh, and rookie additions like Austin Hays and Carlos Estévez face uncertain futures with the team. Despite ending the season with 95 wins and claiming the NL East title, the team was eliminated in the postseason by the New York Mets, leaving fans curious about the off-season moves ahead.
Phillies president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, expressed confidence in the current roster’s potential, stating that it could indeed compete for a championship. He emphasized the importance of being open to adjustments for improvement despite a solid performance in the previous season.
Turning to the team’s financial situation, the Phillies closed out the season with a notable $249 million payroll, which ranks them among the top spenders in Major League Baseball alongside teams like the Dodgers and Yankees. Dombrowski mentioned that conversations about budget flexibility for the upcoming offseason had yet to take place with principal owner John Middleton, known for his willingness to invest in the team’s success. While pursuing high-profile players like Juan Soto or Corbin Burnes may be unlikely given their payroll situation, he assured fans that the team has ample star power already.
The focus then shifted to Trea Turner, who despite an expensive contract lasting through 2033, struggled defensively at shortstop, committing a significant number of errors. Critics have suggested moving him to the outfield, especially after a disappointing postseason performance. Dombrowski reaffirmed that Turner will remain as shortstop, acknowledging both the player’s strengths and weaknesses.
The impending decisions regarding free agency also loom large. Pitchers Estévez, Jeff Hoffman, and Spencer Turnbull are the only free agents, with Estévez and Hoffman expected to receive lucrative offers from other teams. Consequently, their return isn’t guaranteed, especially since the Phillies will have to navigate their hefty payroll constraints.
Moreover, Taijuan Walker’s four-year deal has not yielded the expected results, as he struggled significantly last season, causing concerns about his future with the franchise. Dombrowski remarked that Walker will need to undergo a strict conditioning program before returning to training camp next year, where a starting position will not be guaranteed.
Alec Bohm, on the other hand, should remain with the team despite a challenging end to the season. His productive overall statistics from this past season are noteworthy, even if his benching in the postseason raised some eyebrows. Thomson revealed intentions to maintain communication with Bohm to support him continuously.
Anticipation surrounds young pitcher Andrew Painter, whose return to health is eagerly awaited. The prospect, who was sidelined due to Tommy John surgery, is seen as a promising addition to the rotation once he’s fully recovered. However, Dombrowski clarified that expectations for his innings will need to be carefully managed.
Contract negotiations could be on the horizon for players such as All-Star left-hander Ranger Suárez and first baseman Bryce Harper, both of whom have significant roles on the team. Dombrowski indicated interest in extending Suárez’s contract following a standout start to his season and mentioned that discussions with Harper’s agent have yet to take place regarding a potential extension.
The Phillies have a solid core capable of vying for playoff contention in upcoming years, although it remains uncertain how all the pieces will form a championship-caliber team. Dombrowski’s comments reflect optimism for the future, though he recognizes that player retention is not guaranteed in the ever-changing landscape of MLB.
