As we approach the end of a long year, a familiar chill is in the autumn air once again. The leaves are changing and littering the ground, our favorite coats come out of the closet after a grueling summer, and soon enough we will be unpacking our lights and trinkets to cover the tree for Christmas morning.
Don’t forget about that wretched, little elf that hangs on the shelf to scare your children into behaving. “If you’re naughty, Snowball will report back to Santa!”
…. Or maybe, do forget to unpack that little weasel. As city folk, not only do we say it, but we stand on it: Snitches get stitches.
All of this can only mean one thing: The MLB offseason.
The MLB Winter Meetings are scheduled to kick off on December 8th in Dallas, Texas and come to a conclusion just four days later on December 11th. The Philadelphia Phillies – who finished with an impressive 95-67 record and won their first NL East title in eleven years – have a bit of work ahead of them.
Owner John Middleton, President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski, and newly hired general manager Preston Mattingly seem as though they are aware of the inevitable changes that need to come in order to bring back the ultimate prize, which is a World Series trophy.
At the end of the year press conference, Dombrowski tiptoed his way around the idea of spending more money when it comes to adding big pieces to this roster His comments left some Phillies fans feeling less than optimistic as they attempted to recover from a grueling end to the season. The all-star packed team, one of the hottest MLB teams in the first-half of the season, lost in four games in the Wild Card round to their division rival, the New York Mets.
You don’t see five World Series appearances in 27 years as an executive, and not know there need to be major changes to a roster that has regressed in its playoff performances each of the last three years. Dombrowski is known for spinning the truth quite a bit.
Just the year prior, he made similar remarks in not wanting to spend major cash in the free agent pool. It was later reported that the Phillies offered then free agent, and now current starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Yoshinobu Yamomoto, the richest offer in the offseason.
While Dombrowski may be saying one thing, his actions will say another. He knows when to show his cards. Dombrowski and co. have to make major moves to improve upon the roster from head to toe. Middleton, who signs the checks, has also stated that he is not afraid to spend more money to improve this aging roster.
While Juan Soto would be a great addition to this team, money does talk.
Scott Boras, the representative for Soto, has strategically maneuvered his client into meetings and visits with other teams such as the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays to drive the price up for the New York Yankees. At the end of the day, no one will outbid the Yankees to keep Soto, especially the inferior team in New York, or a division rival in Toronto. The Los Angeles Dodgers could be in play, but the reports are that Soto wants to stay on the east coast. The New York Yankees will not let Soto walk, no matter the price.
That leaves the Phillies with the outside shot of landing Soto. The Phillies would rather spend money on multiple bodies that will be equivalent or maybe even a bit less than what Soto will get in a new contract.
This leads us to the million dollar question. What would the perfect offseason look like for the Phillies?
TRADE ALEC BOHM:
Alec Bohm has been the hot topic of discussion as of late. There are reports of the Phillies being open to moving Bohm as he finds himself on the trading block early on this offseason.
As a story that was developed earlier this week said that the Phillies would prefer to move on from Bohm because of locker room issues. John Middleton, the rest of the front office, to the manager Rob Thompson and his staff, all believe in Bohm, the player. But do they believe in Bohm, the teammate? That is the growing suspicion on their willingness to move Bohm.
The Phillies have a foundation built on being one of the better clubhouses in the entire league. Talent helps of course, but any championship team will tell you that it starts from behind closed doors.
As of now, only one team has been linked to Bohm: the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners could use the infield help as they look to upgrade the third base position. Bohm could also slide over to first base as he’s done with the Phillies on occasion, if need be.
Bohm had a career year in 2024. Bohm swung for 15 HRs/97 RBIs/.280 BA while leading the league in doubles for most of the 2024 campaign, although falling short to finishing the season as the league leader. Bohm also improved defensively from years past, but ultimately being tied for 13th in the entire league in errors with 15.
The Mariners have good pitching depth that they could cough up in a Bohm trade. But, would this be the perfect move for the Phillies? In an ideal world, the Phillies should have their eye on a player in the same division. That player is Brent Rooker of the Oakland…Sacramento… Las Vegas… TBD Athletics.
Though Rooker is coming off of a career year hitting 39 HRs/112 RBIs/.293 BA, his glove is nothing to be excited about. Rooker is a below average fielder with a great bat. If there is one spot on the field that you can afford to have a poor defender, it is left field. Just ask the 2008 Phillies about Pat Burrell or the 1980 Phillies about Greg Luzinski. Below average defensively, but gave you 30 or more home runs. It sounds like a fair deal to me.
*Please note that Luzinski had 19 HRs in 1980, but only played 106 games with 368 at bats that year.*
A deal for Rooker would not be as easy as some would think. While he has only had high production the previous two seasons, Rooker is still on a cheap, team-controllable deal. And he’s a damn good player. Rooker would also give you the option to move into the DH role, if the Phillies decide to move on from Kyle Schwarber as he heads into his final year of his deal.
An offer to the A’s could look something like this:
Alec Bohm, two mid-to-lower level prospects such as 21st ranked prospect SP Griff McGarry, and 14th ranked prospect INF Arron Escobar for LF Brent Rooker.
McGarry, who was once a top Phillies prospect, would find himself in a different setting that could give him a shot in the big leagues. With almost all of the tools that a big league pitcher needs, McGarry has struggled to throw strikes in his minor league career.
Escobar, a multi-position infielder, was an international signing for the Phillies. Escobar struggled in his first couple seasons in the Dominican Summer League, but began to find success when coming stateside. With some pure power and the ability to walk, this is a player that could potentially jump in prospect rankings as he comes of age.
SIGN ALEX BREGMAN:
The bandwagon has begun on Alex Bregman making his way to Philadelphia. With mixed reactions from fans on the potential of Bregman donning red pinstripes, the nine year vet has a strong case to make the hot corner in Philadelphia his new home.
The fight between the Phillies faithful comes down to keeping Bohm versus landing Bregman. While Bohm is a potential star, it seems as though he has hit his ceiling, which is just a quality player. Bregman is a sprinkle more than that. He gives you more pop out of his bat, an extreme upgrade in the defensive department, and with Bohm’s clubhouse woes, Bregman can come in and band with the likes of Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber as a leader on this team.
Bregman seemed to have hit a bit of a decline in the 2024 season, hitting 26 HRs/75 RBIs/.260 BA compared to previous seasons. While you gain more home runs with less RBI’s, 20 points less in batting average is something you’ll take if you get the home run production.
Bregman also brings things that Bohm does not. As stated before, he is a locker room leader, a gold glove winner (who should more than likely have multiple), a silver slugger winner, an up-and-down playoff career statistically speaking (albeit he has had more good playoff series than bad), and the most important thing: 2 rings.
Unsure of what Bregman’s price tag will be, some reports suggest he could be in the 5-7 year range with a pay of $150-$180 million dollars ($25M-$30M per). Bregman is two years senior to Bohm, which is a case to be had for the fans who’d rather keep Bohm. But you should always take the sure thing, and Bregman is the sure thing. We’re arguing over potential versus fact. Your team becomes better if Alex Bregman is your third baseman rather than Alec Bohm.
Alex Bregman for 7/$180M
TRADE FOR GARRETT CROCHET:
Garrett Crochet’s name has been thrown around for a few months via the trade market. A popular name for teams like the Phillies, Dodgers, and the Baltimore Orioles back in late July, the White Sox stood pat on keeping Crochet.
As of late, the rumors have picked up again on the White Sox willingness to trade Crochet. The Phillies remain interested in Crochet, as they were up until the final minutes of the 4pm deadline back on July 30th’s deadline.
Crochet was a first round pick in 2020 for the White Sox as he was the first player from his draft class to be promoted to the bigs. He is the 22nd player in MLB history to skip minor league play altogether.
2024 was the first season Crochet was a full-time starter. In 32 starts, he found himself going 6-12 with a 3.58 ERA and slotting himself 7th in the entire league in strikeouts, with 209. The 25 year-old won comeback player of the year in 2024.
Crochet is a star in the making. The hopeful future ace would slot into the number 2 spot in the rotation sandwiched between Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola.
The Phillies were hesitant to trade Andrew Painter for Crochet in July. Best believe Dombrowski will try everything in his power to get Crochet without giving up Painter.
An offer to the ChiSox could look something like this:
Starting pitcher Tijuan Walker, number 1 prospect INF Aidan Miller, Phillies number 6 prospect Mick Abel, and a lower level prospect OF TJayy Walton.
Aidan Miller is not a name that many will be too thrilled about parting ways with. Viewed as the best prospect since Mike Schmidt for the Phillies, he is just that: a prospect. The versatility he brings to any organization, whether that be Chicago or Philadelphia, is his ability to play shortstop, third base, or second base. In all of these scenarios, there would be a logjam with Bregman, Turner, and Stott filling all of the infield spots outside of Harper at first base for the foreseeable future.
Abel, who has dealt with some arm and shoulder injuries in his young career, has a four pitch mix with some velocity he gets from his 6 ‘5 frame. Abel has struggled with throwing consistent strikes, but can project to be a major league pitcher. The same issues that arise with McGarry, Abel will find a hard time fitting into a bolstering rotation the Phillies have.
Walton, who is the 18th ranked prospect for the Phils’ can see The Show if he can develop his power. Walton moves well for a 6’3, 220lb body. There seems to be some within organizations that feel Walton can be a good contact hitter.
Walker, who seems to have not much left in the tank, would be moved as a financial decision. With two years left on his deal, and way too much money owed, the ‘Sox would take on the rest of the contract as they would prefer to take on some money while not having pressure to win.
SIGN TANNER SCOTT AND BLAKE TREINEN:
Tanner Scott will be the most popular name on the market out of a relief role. Traded from the Miami Marlins to the San Diego Padres at the trade deadline in 2024, Scott posted a 1.75 ERA for the whole season with both clubs. Scott saw 72 appearances out of the bullpen with 22 saves. The southpaw also pitched the second most innings in his career in 2024 logging 72 innings and allowing only 3 big flies all year.
Tanner Scott will be looking for a nice pay day this winter which is much deserved.
Blake Treinen is a seasoned veteran who has been in the league since 2014. Treinen has seen great success winning two World Series rings with the Dodgers in 2020 and 2024. The 36 year old spent most of the 2022 season on the IL only pitching in 5 innings that entire season. He had a short return at the end of 2022 which he then found himself back on the IL.
Treinen had light shoulder labrum and rotator cuff repair surgery in November of 2022 with a 10 month recovery time. He did not pitch in 2023.
2024 was a very good year for Terinen going 7-3 out of the pen with a 1.93 ERA in 50 appearances. Terinen will be 37 next season, and even with the great season he had, he will be on the cheaper side due to age and recent injury woes.
Tanner Scott for 3/$50M
Blake Treinen for 1/$9M
MOVE RANGER SUAREZ TO BULLPEN:
The idea of moving Ranger Suarez to the bullpen is sure to raise some eyebrows. 2024 saw Suarez’s best start of his career going 9-0 in his first 9 starts. Even with the injury to Suarez’s lower back in late July that placed him on the 15-day IL list, his season as a whole was consistently shaky after those first 9 starts.
Suarez pitched the second most innings of his career with 150.2, just a few innings short of his career high in 2022 which he saw 155.1. Suarez has not proven in his career that he can pitch efficiently with that many outings. Suarez has great stuff, and you would struggle to find many around the league who disagree.
Suarez has proven many times in high leverage situations to have, as the kids say, big kahunas.
What better person to have at the back end of a bullpen? Someone who knows the moment is never too big. That is something that can’t be taught easily and needs to be taken advantage of. The Phillies rotation also saw many times the past few seasons where the starting rotation got banged up. Suarez can also serve in an emergency rotation role.
A LOOK AT THE ROSTER:
Position Players:
DH: Kyle Schwarber
C: J.T. Realmuto
1B:Bryce Harper
2B: Bryson Stott
3B: Alex Bregman
SS: Trea Turner
LF: Brent Rooker
CF: Brandon Marsh
RF: Nick Castellanos
INF/OF: Kody Clemens
INF: Edmundo Sosa
OF: Austin Hays
OF: Johan Rojas
C: Rafael Marchan
Starting Rotation:
Zack Wheeler, Garrett Crochet, Aaron Nola, Christopher Sanchez, Andrew Painter.
Bullpen:
Matt Strahm, Jose Alverado, Orion Kerkering, Jose Ruiz, Blake Treinen, Ranger Suarez, Carlos Estevez (resign 3/$36M).
There are plenty of moves the Phillies can make this offseason. The front office knows that there need to be major moves in order to bring the hardware back to our city. The big name is always the most appealing strategy to help improve your team, but the way the Phillies are built, the huge name isn’t necessarily what they need. They just need better players than what they currently have from 4-9 in their lineup. Finding protection behind the top three in the order is key for this team to succeed.
