The Phillies made the first move of the offseason Monday when they announced they will bring back manager Rob Thomson for the 2026 season.
It’s the right decision.
The Phillies won 96 games in 2025, their second straight National League East title and lost a close series to the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
It will be interesting to see if the club extends Thomson’s contract as he is entering the final season of his deal.
If they don’t, I suggest, for Thomson’s sake, the Phillies get off to a fast start in 2026.
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski was scheduled to meet the media Thursday morning where he is sure to be peppered with questions about the club’s future.
Next season will be one of transition for the Phillies, but that doesn’t mean the team won’t again be a National League contender. The Phillies will open the 2026 season at home March 26 against the Texas Rangers.
Here are five (maybe more) offseason moves the Phillies need to make this winter:
1. Let Ranger Suarez walk and promote Andrew Painter
Suarez (12-8 with a 3.20 ERA) is a free agent. I wouldn’t re-sign him. The 22-year-old Painter, who was 5-6 with a 5.40 ERA in Triple-A this past season, should join the rotation for next season.
That gives the Phillies a starting 2026 rotation of Cristopher Sánchez, Aaron Nola, Jesus Luzardo, Painter and Taijuan Walker. Zack Wheeler will join the rotation when healthy. This is still one of baseball’s best rotations.
2. Resign Kyle Schwarber at all cost
Schwarber hit a career-high 56 home runs, leading the NL for the second time in his career. He’s 32 but getting better with age. His average bat speed of 77 mph was fifth in baseball this season ahead of Aaron Judge (77 mph) and Shohei Ohtani (75.8 mph). The Phillies are’t close to the same team without him, and yes I would give him $150 million for five years.
3. Promote Justin Crawford
The 21-year-old Crawford should be the starting left fielder next season. He boasted a .334/.411/.452 slash line in 506 Triple-A plate appearances this season. It’s time to find out if he can play in the big leagues.
4. Consider trading Alec Bohm, Brandon Marsh and Nick Castellanos
The Phillies do need to make changes. Bohm, Marsh and Castellanos are the most likely trade candidates.
They should be packaged with any prospects not named Painter, Crawford or Aidan Miller to improve the roster.
What do the Phillies need in return?
A power-hitting, right-handed third baseman or a right fielder that can hit 25 home runs and a veteran reliever with closing experience to handle the eighth inning and support closer Jhoan Duran.
5. Odds and ends
Re-sign catcher J.T. Realmuto to a two or three-year deal. If the 35-year-old Realmuto wants more years, 26-year-old Rafael Marchan is the starting catcher.
Depending on who the Phillies add in the offseason, the 21-year-old Miller is a candidate to play third base come June or July. Miller was promoted to Triple-A at the end of last season after stealing 52 bases and hitting 13 home runs at Double-A.
Be careful about overpaying and re-signing Harrison Bader, who is coming off a career year. His Baseball Reference WAR of 4.2 was the highest career.
When it comes to center field, don’t forget about 26-year-old Johan Rojas.
Pick up the $9 million option on reliever Jose Alvarado. He’s a lefty who throws 100 mph.
All in all for the first time in several seasons, the Phillies offseason might be as intriguing as the regular season.
Contact: 609-272-7209
MMcGarry@PressofAC.com
X @ACPressMcGarry
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Mike McGarry
Staff Writer
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