The Phillies are optimistic that he can recover and remain on the field in 2024; they have the same hopes for Jordan Romano.
Philadelphia also acquired starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo from the Miami Marlins in a trade, enhancing the final spot in their starting rotation.
Unfortunately, he also faced challenges last season but performed exceptionally well in 2023.
However, Olney is uncertain whether the Phillies are finished making moves.
“But they could be busy before the start of their season. [Kyle] Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto and Ranger Suarez are all entering the final season of their respective contracts, and rival GMs have quietly predicted that president of baseball operations David Dombrowski will do something big before the 2025 season begins.”
What would qualify as a significant move?
Signing free agent third baseman Alex Bregman would certainly be a monumental step, but it would necessitate moving players already on the roster, such as [Alec] Bohm, right fielder Nick Castellanos, or Ranger Suarez.
They are a franchise worth monitoring, as there isn't a front office personnel member willing to go as all-in as Dave Dombrowski has shown himself to be throughout his career.
The Philadelphia Phillies have not been as proactive this offseason as many anticipated.
Following the disappointing conclusion of their 2024 season, when the New York Mets eliminated them from the NLDS, it was expected that some changes would be made before the next season.
There needed to be some adjustments to help improve the team's playoff performance, which has not reflected their regular season success.
However, the anticipated changes have yet to take place.
Nonetheless, MLB insider Buster Olney of ESPN still considers the Phillies to be among the top teams in baseball, ranking them as the second-best team in the MLB, behind only the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
“So far, the Phillies' expected makeover hasn't happened. They signed Jason Romano for the bullpen, but it still needs more help, and the trade market has not been jumping at third baseman Alec Bohm; some evaluators speculate that this is because of concerns about his defense. The rotation, on the other hand, will be deep again, and the lineup is still loaded -- Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, et al. The Phillies were widely regarded as the best team for most of 2024 and they should threaten the Dodgers for that spot again next summer.”
Since the publication of Olney’s piece, the team has made a few significant additions to their roster.
Max Kepler was signed to a one-year, $10 million deal to strengthen the outfield.
He is expected to take over as the starting left fielder and is viewed as an above-average defender with a reliable bat. However, he has had difficulty maintaining his health throughout the first 10 seasons of his professional career.
Oct 6, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner (R) and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (L) celebrate a victory against the New York Mets in game two of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Citizens Bank Park.
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The Phillies are the second best team in baseball?
December 26, 2024
You wouldn't think so if you heard the fans talking about the team's offseason moves but an MLB insider thinks they are.
Philly Sports Jawn
Jawn Kruk
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