Philadelphia Phillies 2023-2024 Offseason Preview

The Phillies season came to an end far too soon losing in the NLCS in seven games to the Arizona Diamondbacks. There were a lot of questions following the abrupt ending, as most of the Phillies’ lineup came up short at the plate and some of the Phillies’ bullpen struggled. Even after a demoralizing ending to the season, the Phillies must move on and look ahead to the offseason.

Starting first with the players that are currently under contract. Shortstop Trea Turner is signed through 2033 and even though he had a terrible regular season pre-August. The turning point for Turner this season was the ovations at Citizens Bank Park. That Turner post ovations showcased more of who the Phillies thought they signed this past offseason, and the player Turner truly is. Next, first basemen Bryce Harper is signed through 2031, but the main question surrounding him this offseason is where he is going to play next year. Phillies President of baseball operation Dave Dombrowski said in his end-of-the-season press conference that it would be up to Harper on where he plays next season and going forward. This has a lot of implications because if Harper decides to stay at first that all but guarantees first basemen Rhys Hoskins won’t be returning. Following Harper, right fielder Nick Castellanos is signed through 2026. Castellanos had a very bad NLCS against the Diamondbacks and it has left a sour taste in some fans’ mouths as they aren’t opposed to trading the right fielder. Unless the Phillies find a clear upgrade, there is no need to trade Castellanos as he’s been a key player these past two seasons. After that, both catcher JT Realmuto and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber are signed through 2025. Both players have a vital role in the team as JT is one of the best catchers in baseball and Kyle Schwarber is a home run hitter that also walks a lot. Schwarber is also a key guy to the Phillies’ clubhouse as he helped create a winning culture.

Moving onto starting pitchers, Taijuan Walker is signed through 2026 and will be on the team next year as stated by Dave Dombrowski. Walker was quite good Pre-All Star break, but after the break completely fell apart and wasn’t even included on the playoff roster. Walker will likely have a similar role next year as a backend starter. Hopefully, he improves next year so when the time comes, he makes the playoff roster. Now for the ace of the Phillies Zack Wheeler is under contract through 2024. Wheeler has completely outperformed his current five-year, 118 million-dollar contract so keep an eye out for a possible extension this offseason for the Phillies’ best pitcher. Getting into the bullpen José Alvarado is signed through 2025, Matt Strahm through 2024, and Seranthony Dominguez through 2024. With Alvarado and Strahm having very solid years expect both to be back in the bullpen next year. Dominguez on the other hand had a down year but still showed flashes of the dominant reliever he was in 2022 so it’s very likely he’s also a part of the Phillies’ bullpen next year.

The Phillies also have a bulk of players of arbitration-eligible players. First looking at position players, third basemen Alec Bohm, utility man Edmundo Sosa, utility man Jake Cave, and catcher Garrett Stubbs are all arbitration eligible. Bohm will be back next year unless traded, but the other three guys may not be. It’ll be interesting to see how the Phillies look to improve their bench this offseason. Next, the arbitration-eligible pitchers are Jeff Hoffman, Ranger Suárez, Gregory Soto, and Dylan Covey. Both Hoffman and Suárez had good years and will be back again next year. Soto and Covey are in question, if Soto can’t figure out his command he may not make next year’s team. Then Covey had a very bad start to the year but turned it around with a decent second half so he could be back but is replaceable.

However, even with a bulk of their team signed, there are a couple of key Phillies who are free agents this offseason. The first free agent being starting pitcher Aaron Nola, Nola was bad all year up until his second to last start of the season. From there Nola carried that momentum into the postseason and had a couple of huge starts in the wild card and NLDS. Nola is the Phillies’ biggest question, both sides would like to work out a deal, but if the price becomes too much, the Phillies will look elsewhere to replace Nola. Nola has been a workhorse his whole career for the Phillies, it would be special to see him continue his great career in the city of Brotherly Love. Now the second biggest free agent for the Phillies is first basemen Rhys Hoskins. Hoskins was out the whole season after tearing his ACL in training camp but was a core member in years prior. Hoskins is a good player and will be offered a good contract, the issue comes when trying to figure out how he would fit into this team. With Harper possibly playing first base full time that takes away from the one position Hoskins could play. If Harper decides to go back to right field that would open first base back up for Rhys. Now the other two free agents are pitchers Michael Lorenzen and Craig Kimbrel. When the Phillies traded for Lorenzen at the deadline they knew it was likely a rental and he is expected to go elsewhere this offseason. Now Kimbrel if he didn’t completely melt down the stretch he may have returned, but with how his year ended Kimbrel’s time in Philly is likely over.

Finally, some names to keep an eye on this offseason, starting pitcher Corbin Burnes, relief pitcher Jason Foley, starting pitcher Dylan Cease, and centerfielder Mike Trout. All these players would require trades, and the starting pitchers are likely off the table if Nola re-signs. Along with trades free agency is an area the Phillies may target. Some of those players include starting pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, first basemen/outfielder Cody Bellinger, and outfielder Michael Brantley. Ohtani is the least likely out of the three, but Bellinger and Brantley could be more reasonable targets. In addition to the hitters, there is also a good list of free-agent starting pitchers who could take Nola’s role if he doesn’t return. That list includes Marcus Stroman, Sonny Gray, Blake Snell, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Jordan Montgomery.

In short, with a majority of this Phillies team under contract, most positions are taken. Regardless the Phillies have holes that could be filled this offseason in hopes of finally getting this team its third World Series in franchise history.

Philadelphia Phillies 2023-2024 Offseason Preview

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