Intriguing Explorations: The Good Phight’s Playful Perspective on Life

The inquiries surrounding this off-season are predominantly linked to 2025. Is Jordan Romano sufficient for the bullpen? Is Max Kepler the offensive enhancement they required? The overarching conclusions are considerably more amusing.

The Phillies have not committed finances to 2026 and beyond

Jordan Romano has inked a one-year contract and is anticipated to replace Jeff Hoffman. Max Kepler has also signed a one-year contract. Jesús Luzardo retains two years of control, enabling them to permit Ranger Suárez to depart next season.

2026 will mark the first occasion in several years that Dave Dombrowski and the Phillies front office will experience some leeway with the roster, albeit at a price.

The Phillies have around $80 million set to come off the payroll, yet crucial players are entering free agency. Kyle Schwarber, JT Realmuto, and Ranger Suárez represent the crucial trio. Max Kepler is intended to be an everyday player and was signed to a temporary contract, while José Alvarado is a significant bullpen element with a team option that could potentially be rejected.

Some of these individuals must return. Realmuto is vital due to the limited internal alternatives the Phillies have, his specific influence on the pitching squad, and the leadership and resilience he contributes daily. Likely, there won’t be a more suitable option for next season that the team can afford.

Kyle Schwarber stands as one of the most crucial hitters in the Phillies lineup, but he is one strong season away from being among the bats available in free agency next season. There is a case to be made that the Phillies would become substantially more adaptable without a true designated hitter.

Nick Castellanos recorded -11 defensive runs saved in right field last season. Should he lose a step in the outfield this coming season, relying on him daily in right field for 2026 may not be feasible. Perhaps Aidan Miller is prepared and transitions Alec Bohm and Trea Turner to increased designated hitter (DH) responsibilities.

That still seems to be a weaker team than with Kyle Schwarber, even if the DH position becomes more flexible.

One last note is that Kyle Schwarber was never extended the Qualifying Offer in 2021 because he was traded to the Red Sox before the deadline. The Phillies might secure a draft pick if he departs (and receives the QO).

They are projected to make around $42 million in 2025 and should be at least somewhat less expensive next season. Realmuto almost certainly won’t command $23 million in average annual worth in 2026, right? Schwarber might cost more if he maintains his 2024 performance.

What will the youth infusion resemble?

Andrew Painter will take the mound at some juncture this season. The remainder of the transition may not be as smooth.

Aidan Miller, Justin Crawford, and Moises Chace are competing in AA. Crawford notably participated in 40 games there, and the Phillies possess numerous queries for 2026 concerning the outfield. Crawford may require additional development time if his groundball rate and approach don’t show significant growth this season.

Miller is a more seasoned top prospect, yet he would join a more established positional group upon his debut. If he is primed for 2026, might the Phillies consider trading Bohm? Shift Trea Turner to another position? Will one of them take on more DH duties that season?

This would be an excellent issue to navigate, but it doesn’t imply there won’t be challenges ahead.

Chace is somewhat of a wild card given his erratic ascent. He joined the Phillies in the Gregory Soto deal and transformed from a reliever who had difficulty throwing strikes into a starting pitcher who dominated the zone. He posted over a 13% walk rate in A+ ball with the Orioles, down to 9.1% in AA with Philadelphia.

The AA pre-tack ball complicates this situation further, so if the command leap isn’t entirely valid, he may project long-term as a reliever. If it is, he would undoubtedly rank as the second-best starting pitching prospect within the Phillies organization.

There are positive dilemmas here if all these prospects are ready. Perhaps none will debut until closer to 2027. Some may never don the Phillies pinstripes, yet how they transition will be captivating.

What does the pitching development landscape look like for the Phillies without Brian Kaplan?

The Phillies have observed numerous breakout pitchers over the last several seasons since Brian Kaplan took on the role of assistant pitching coach and director of pitching development.

In 2022, José Alvarado emerged as one of the premier relievers in baseball, Andrew Bellatti recorded a 3.31 ERA, and Bailey Falter finished with a 3.86 ERA, while Dombrowski managed to trade breakout prospect Ben Brown for David Robertson.

In 2023, Jeff Hoffman established himself as one of the top right-handed relievers in the game, and Cristopher Sánchez became a dependable number four starter.

2024 saw remarkable progress from prospects George Klassen and Sam Aldegheri. Both were subsequently traded for Carlos Estévez. Moises Chace and Seth Johnson improved significantly after their trade from Baltimore, and Michael Mercado made his major league debut.

Caleb Cotham deserves considerable recognition, particularly for the major league breakouts, and many others contributed along the journey, yet Kaplan could be a loss that is deeply felt.

Specifically on the minor league front, the Phillies have leaned on emerging starting pitcher prospects to bolster their trade deadlines. Can they sustain the same framework without someone as pivotal as Kaplan?

The Phillies have elevated Mark Lowy to fill Kaplan’s position. They previously worked together at Cressy Sports before joining the Phillies in 2021.

Lowy has the potential to be effective or even surpass expectations, but the future remains uncertain. Based on available information, Kaplan was a key factor in why the Phillies have developed into one of the premier pitching development organizations in the sport in recent years.