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Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski acknowledges that significant roster work lies ahead for the team to reach its desired contender status. While much attention centers on the pitching staff, particularly the bullpen, the club also requires additional depth on the left side of the infield and in the starting rotation.
Beyond pitching, the Phillies face the potential loss of several key contributors who are set to hit free agency: Alec Bohm, Luis Arraez, Edmundo Sosa, and Bryan De La Cruz. Re-signing any of these players or acquiring quality bench pieces will be crucial for the Phillies this winter as they plan to implement a strategy that involves giving their veteran players more regular rest throughout the 2027 regular season.
Dombrowski has already begun preparing some players for adjusted roles. He has communicated to several veterans that the team intends to build more off days into the schedule to ensure they remain fresh and healthy down the stretch. "One of the things we need to do is to create some more days off for our veteran players to keep them more rested," Dombrowski said, via Matt Gelb and Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic.
Currently, first base appears to be the only position set in stone for next year. Bryce Harper will return there, but the goal is for Kyle Schwarber to handle first base for about 30 games, giving Harper rest while Schwarber serves as the designated hitter. Schwarber will get work at first base during spring training to see how things develop. Notably, Bohm is not mentioned in those first base plans, and his future in Philadelphia remains uncertain despite looking good at first base after Arraez was acquired from the San Francisco Giants.
J.T. Realmuto is another player the Phillies would like to lessen the workload for. When informed he could be catching less in 2027, Realmuto appeared open to the idea. "Physically, I feel as good as I've ever felt," Realmuto said, per Dombrowski. "Mentally, with all the added responsibilities, I feel more drained."
Additionally, Philadelphia must resolve Trea Turner's situation and whether he will play shortstop. He will have a chance to earn his spot there, but a move to the outfield remains possible. In the outfield, the team could use another everyday option, preferably a right-handed hitter. The free agent pool is limited, but Seiya Suzuki and Randy Arozarena are two players who would make a lot of sense.
Key Analysis
The Phillies' offseason strategy hinges on balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term health management. By adding depth, they can afford to rest aging stars like Harper and Realmuto without sacrificing regular-season performance. However, the potential departures of Bohm, Arraez, Sosa, and De La Cruz create holes that must be filled creatively. Dombrowski's proactive approach to communicating role changes signals a cultural shift toward prioritizing player longevity, but execution will depend on securing the right bench pieces and perhaps a right-handed outfield bat. The decisions on Turner's position and Bohm's future will shape the infield dynamics, while the pitching staff remains a critical area needing reinforcement.