The Winter Meetings, set for December 7‑10 in Orlando, bring a flurry of activity to the Phillies as they weigh key free‑agent moves and trade possibilities.
The Schwarber Sweepstakes
Kyle Schwarber, the 32‑year‑old outfielder who hit 56 home runs and drove in 132 runs last season, remains the Phillies’ top priority. Despite a recent statement from MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki that the team and Schwarber were “not close to a deal,” the franchise is still actively courting the player.
The player’s market has attracted several big‑market teams, including the Mets and the Red Sox. However, the hometown club is pushing hard to secure Schwarber’s return. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Reds are one of the strongest suitors, with Cincinnati “could have roughly $20 million to spend on next season” based on comments from GM Nick Krall.
Contract length is a key variable. On MLB Network, former GM and analyst Steve Phillips suggested that a fifth year may decide where Schwarber lands, a factor that could tilt the race toward the Reds. If the Phillies do not retain Schwarber, replacing his power becomes the next priority. Options include free agency (Pete Alonso, Marcell Ozuna), the Japanese market (Munetaka Murakami, Kazuma Okamoto), or a trade if Byron Buxton waives his no‑trade clause in Minnesota.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently noted on Threads that the Schwarber decision could come by the end of the meetings.
Where Things Stand with J.T. Realmuto
J.T. Realmuto, the 34‑year‑old catcher who has spent seven seasons in Philadelphia, is another focal point. Realmuto’s market is thin, making him one of the most attractive options available. Passan reported that Realmuto is unlikely to seek more than a two‑year deal, which increases the chances of a return.
Boston and Texas were initially viewed as potential suitors, but neither team is expected to spend aggressively behind the plate. On MLB Network, Jesús Luzardo highlighted Realmuto’s preparation and individualized game‑planning, saying he “always has such a good plan,” and added that the staff has “a lot of faith, a lot of confidence in him back there.”
If the Phillies leave Orlando with clarity on Schwarber and Realmuto, their offseason path becomes much sharper.
Names Floated in Trade Talks
The contract dump of Nick Castellanos has dominated trade speculation, but other players have been mentioned in recent reporting. Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott, and Brandon Marsh have all surfaced as potential trade pieces. Nothing appears imminent, but the organization could be moving away from running out a similar core.
A recent name mentioned in industry speculation is Matt Strahm. Adam Jude of The Seattle Times expressed that the Mariners are exploring left‑handed bullpen options and identified Strahm as a fit. The left‑hander has one year of club control remaining and has been effective in leverage situations while offering multi‑inning capability.
Seattle also presents a potential match because of its roster situation. Randy Arozarena, entering his final arbitration year, would fill a need as a right‑handed bat and is coming off his fifth straight 20‑home‑run, 20‑steal season. The Mariners also have an organizational surplus behind the plate, with top catching prospect Harry Ford blocked by Cal Raleigh, and they have a need at third base, where Bohm is a fit.
Once the top free agents sign, trade activity typically picks up quickly. It would not be surprising if the Phillies are involved on either side of a swap if one takes place soon.
How Set Is the Phillies’ Rotation?
Starting pitching has received the least attention early in the offseason. The rotation just posted the lowest starter ERA in the National League at 3.53. But there are still questions that will shape the next few weeks.
Ranger Suárez is expected to have a strong market even if there has been little public noise to this point. His price likely rose after Dylan Cease signed a seven‑year, $210 million deal with Toronto, putting him in a range that may be difficult for the Phillies to match with nearly $100 million already committed to their rotation in 2026 — without Suárez.
Suárez’s agent, Scott Boras, spoke on Suárez’s appeal in free agency this winter at the MLB GM meetings in Las Vegas.
On Bleacher Report, Jon Heyman reported that the Phillies have maintained interest in a reunion and that Japanese right‑hander Tatsuya Imai, who is expected to land a nine‑figure deal, is a potential fit.
With Zack Wheeler recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, adding depth to the rotation would make sense, though it may depend on whether the Phillies can alleviate some of their payroll by moving Taijuan Walker.
A more affordable route exists through the mid‑tier market, including options such as Nestor Cortes or Tyler Mahle, or potentially a reunion with Walker Buehler at an even lower number. That scenario would require confidence in Andrew Painter taking a rotation spot out of camp. A group of Sánchez, Luzardo, Nola, Walker, and Painter is viable on Opening Day, but the risk comes if Wheeler needs additional time to regain his form.
The market lacks top‑end depth, but it has options that fit the middle.
Is Marte Still an Option?
Last month, Arizona signaled a willingness to discuss trades involving Ketel Marte, and on November 26, the Phillies and Blue Jays reportedly checked in. Marte has a full no‑trade clause but did not include Philadelphia or Toronto on his list.
Acquiring him would be expensive, but if Schwarber leaves, the 32‑year‑old second baseman is one of the few alternatives that keeps the Phils among the top teams in the game.
The Phillies have reportedly “checked‑in” on Diamondbacks All‑Star second baseman, Ketel Marte. The Phillies Talk podcast crew debates what the Phillies could offer Arizona in a potential trade for Marte.
Marte is a switch‑hitter who has produced from both sides and would add a level of versatility the Phillies have lacked in their lineup in recent years. His contract also aligns well with the Phillies’ approach. He is owed $28 million over the next two seasons, a number that provides enough financial flexibility to remain active in other parts of the market.
Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen will likely have multiple conversations in Orlando, and the Phillies’ willingness to involve top prospects will determine how serious those talks become.
Key Takeaways
- The Phillies are focused on securing Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto as they navigate the Winter Meetings.
- Trade speculation includes players like Matt Strahm, Randy Arozarena, and Ketel Marte, with the franchise weighing potential moves.
- The rotation faces questions around Ranger Suárez, Zack Wheeler’s recovery, and mid‑tier options such as Nestor Cortes or Tyler Mahle.
The Winter Meetings in Orlando are shaping the Phillies’ future. Whether they lock in Schwarber, retain Realmuto, or make strategic trades, the decisions made over the next few days will set the tone for the franchise’s next season.
