On Thursday, the Phillies’ first major move of the season came when they signed slugger Kyle Schwarber to a five‑year, $150 million contract, setting the tone for the rest of the free‑agent market.
Building the Middle
The middle of the infield remains a top priority. Trea Turner and Bryson Stott are likely to pair up in 2026, but the catcher and center‑field positions still carry real questions.
Catcher
J.T. Realmuto, who spent seven seasons with the Phillies, is the most likely answer behind the plate. The 34‑year‑old is reportedly seeking a two‑year deal and would be worth the investment based on his familiarity with the staff. An annual value in the $16–18 million range seems realistic, which would amount to roughly a $5 million increase on the payroll from last season between him and Schwarber.
The Phillies’ manager, Rob Thomson, told MLB Network Radio on Thursday, “We want J.T. back,” underscoring Realmuto as the next major priority.
Center Field
The center‑field question is more open. While the organization expresses confidence in Justin Crawford’s ability to handle the position, Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas remain options, giving Philadelphia flexibility.
If the Phillies move on from Nick Castellanos and prefer Crawford and Marsh in the corners, that would open the door to bringing back Harrison Bader. The 31‑year‑old posted a career year in 2025, slashing .277/.347/.449 and posting an .824 OPS with the team after the trade.
Right‑handed hitting outfielders are scarce this winter, pointing toward a buy‑high scenario with Bader. Since his rookie season in 2018, he has finished with an OPS under .700 in four of his eight seasons and has topped 110 games just four times in that span — excluding 2020.
Protecting Bryce
Protecting Bryce Harper’s lineup has been a central talking point early in the offseason. Adding Schwarber’s left‑handed power leaves the Phillies looking for a right‑handed, middle‑of‑the‑order bat.
Alec Bohm at third base is a steady option, but his profile may not be exactly what they need as he enters his final year of arbitration. In 2025, the 28‑year‑old hit just 11 homers in 120 games.
Other third‑base free‑agent options include Kazuma Okamoto, who carries an .856 career OPS in NPB, and Eugenio Suárez, who slugged 49 homers this past season. Switch‑hitting Jorge Polanco is another name who would bring similar value at either second or third.
Signing a third‑baseman and trading Bohm could also be a direct path to adding a reliever, a recently reported priority.
The Rotation
While the rotation is not a headline priority, several variables keep it on the radar: whether the Phillies re‑sign Ranger Suárez, Zack Wheeler’s availability early in the year, Taijuan Walker’s future and Andrew Painter’s progression after a down 2025.
The volume of starting pitchers available who profile as back‑end options sets up a possible wait‑and‑see approach, similar to the tactic the Phils took two offseasons ago. In 2024, the club signed Spencer Turnbull to a one‑year, $2 million deal in mid‑February. At that point, he owned a 4.55 ERA through 60 career starts and was effective before an injury, posting a 2.65 ERA as a swingman between the rotation and bullpen.
On Super Bowl Sunday, the Phillies signed RHP Spencer Turnbull to a $2M deal. A similar type of deal — at a higher salary — could make sense for Walker Buehler or veteran lefties Jordan Montgomery or Martín Pérez.
Key Takeaways
- The Phillies secured Kyle Schwarber, setting a tone for the free‑agent market.
- J.T. Realmuto is the most likely catcher, with a two‑year deal around $16–18 million.
- Harrison Bader remains a high‑value option in center field, while the team evaluates third‑base and rotation moves.
The Phillies’ first major move of the season lays the foundation for building a championship contender, and subsequent moves will determine how high that ceiling rises.
