In 2025, the Philadelphia Phillies will once again enter the season with plenty of star power and plenty of potential to win the World Series. However, that’s been a theme of recent seasons as well, but the Phillies haven’t found the right chemistry to turn the frenzy of a Red October into a world championship.
According to Spotrac, as it stands right now, the Phillies will have seven players on the roster making $20M or more next season. Those high-priced stars include a pair of starting pitchers in Zach Wheeler and Aaron Nola, plus sluggers like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber who can turn the game around with one swing.
Knowing the numbers, it’s little wonder that Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has downplayed Philadelphia chasing Juan Soto or any other big-ticket player, even though the Phillies are often linked to those free agents.
Instead, Philadelphia may look to shake things up via trades, and that’s where we will begin our three big questions for the Phillies’ offseason.
How much will Philadelphia change things up?
There has been plenty of talk that the Phillies may move All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm after he struggled mightily (going 1-for-13) in Philadelphia’s loss to the New York Mets in the National League Division Series. Could a move open the way for the Phillies to make its big splash by bringing in free agent Alex Bregman?
The Phillies also need to add to the back end of the rotation, and a trade with the Chicago White Sox for Garrett Crochet could make a lot of sense. Dombrowski has never been afraid to make a trade to boost his team, and strengthening the fourth and fifth starter spots could be where a swap comes this offseason.
Who will be the fifth starter?
Wheeler, Nola, Ranger Suarez and Cristopher Sanchez made a solid foursome to lead the Phillies rotation, but a fifth arm is going to be needed. Prospect Andrew Painter is expected to fit into that role at some point, but Dombrowski has said he doesn’t expect him to pitch 180 innings, so someone will need to eat those frames.
Crochet is an option here, as are other veterans who might be looking to chase a ring and sign a one-year deal. Whether it’s through a trade or free-agent signing, the Phillies rotation will change slightly in 2025.
What about the back end of the bullpen?
The Phillies traded for Carlos Estevez in late July, and he paired with Jeff Hoffman to form a solid late-inning duo. Now both are free agents, and Philadelphia has to decide if both, one or neither are a part of their 2025 plans.
Per MLBTradeRumors.com, Estevez is projected to earn a three-year, $27M deal this offseason, while Hoffman could grab a four-year, $44M contract. Knowing the numbers, Philadelphia isn’t expected to bring both back, so Dombrowski will likely be looking to add another late-inning reliever this offseason.
Could the Phillies make a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers for Devin Williams? What about free agents Tanner Scott or Clay Holmes? There are options for Philadelphia to remake the back end of the bullpen, but which ones they pursue will be one of the interesting storylines to watch this winter.
