The Phillies need to stay aggressive this winter if they want fans excited for 2026. Sitting on their hands won’t cut it after another postseason disappointment.
Kyle Tucker would be perfect in right field, giving them the elite bat they need to replace Nick Castellanos. But Philadelphia’s not making that move anytime soon.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic reports the Phillies are focusing on their own free agents first. Makes sense – you don’t chase the shiny new toy when your house needs fixing.
“I also think the Giants and Phillies would be great fits, but it sounds like the Giants are directing their money toward pitching and the Phillies are trying to retain their own free agents before looking at Tucker.”
That’s where things get interesting. Philadelphia’s got some big decisions to make.
Schwarber’s the Priority
Kyle Schwarber tops the list. The designated hitter’s become a fan favorite, and losing him would create a mess the front office doesn’t want to deal with. His power from the left side and veteran presence make him worth keeping around.
J.T. Realmuto isn’t far behind. Finding a catcher who can hit .270 with 15 homers while calling a championship-caliber game? Good luck with that. The 33-year-old’s connection with the pitching staff alone makes him valuable, and there’s not much available on the free agent market.
The Tough Calls
Ranger Suárez could get expensive fast. He’s coming off a solid season, and starting pitching always gets paid. With Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Cristopher Sánchez already locked up, plus Andrew Painter waiting in the wings, the Phillies might decide they can’t afford another $100+ million commitment.
Harrison Bader seems like he’s headed elsewhere. The center fielder had his moments but never quite fit the way they hoped.
The way I see it, this approach makes sense. Free agency moves slowly anyway, and Tucker’s going to command something close to $400 million. That’s not a decision you make while you’re still figuring out your core pieces.
All things considered, the Phillies should have time to handle their own business and still make a run at Tucker if the budget allows. But priorities matter, and keeping Schwarber and Realmuto feels more important than chasing the big name.
