fansided
The Philadelphia Phillies' early playoff exit has sparked intense discussion among fans and analysts, more so than for the other three teams eliminated in the Wild Card Series. Speculation is swirling about potential shifts in the coaching staff, roster adjustments, and even a possible contract extension for top baseball operations executive Dave Dombrowski. With a lockout looming, the fanbase is eager to see Dombrowski and the ownership group demonstrate a commitment to turning the team's fortunes around.
While some desired moves are financially or contractually complicated—such as trading veteran shortstop Trea Turner, who is owed a substantial sum over the next seven years—there is a clear distinction between what the Phillies can realistically do and what their supporters wish for. In the realm of fan fantasy, certain players have worn out their welcome.
4. J.T. Realmuto, Catcher
At first glance, Realmuto's declining batting average over the past three seasons is the only obvious red flag. However, a deeper dive reveals a more troubling trend: his bWAR has fallen from 2.9 to 0.0, and his OPS has dropped from .751 to .614. He has effectively become a replacement-level catcher, yet he still has two years and $30 million remaining on his contract. On a positive note, his 9.9 percent walk rate was his highest since 2021, and his 21.4 percent strikeout rate aligns with his career average of 21.2 percent, suggesting he is not pressing at the plate. If his contract were more team-friendly, Realmuto might rank higher on this list, but he lands at No. 4.
3. Aaron Nola, Starting Pitcher
Nola initially placed No. 2 during the ranking process, but was ultimately moved down to No. 3. The veteran right-hander remains a workhorse, leading the league with 33 starts, but he profiles as a competent No. 5 starter at this stage of his career. He surrendered a career-high 37 home runs in 175.1 innings. The real issue is his contract: four more years at approximately $24.6 million annually, plus a full no-trade clause. Unless the Phillies are willing to absorb a significant portion of his salary, they may be stuck with him as he risks becoming dead weight.
2. Brandon Marsh, Outfielder
Phillies fans may criticize Dombrowski, but he deserves praise for not extending Marsh last summer. A less savvy organization might have rewarded Marsh after a stellar first half in which he batted .301 with 15 home runs, 46 RBIs, and an .829 OPS. However, Marsh finished the season with a 0.4 bWAR, a sharp decline from his 1.9 bWAR at the All-Star Break. This dramatic drop-off suggests the Phillies should actively seek a trade partner for him immediately.
1. Trea Turner, Shortstop
Age appears to have caught up with the 33-year-old Turner, whose -0.1 bWAR and .675 OPS were his lowest in over a decade. He did score 101 runs, the fifth time in six seasons he has reached that mark, and his 157 games played were his most since 2022. If the Phillies do not trade Turner, he is likely to move to center field after a disastrous season at shortstop. It is unclear how much that shift would help either side, and the three-time All-Star has seven years left on his contract at about $27.3 million per year. Additionally, Turner has a full no-trade clause, and his 10-and-5 rights do not activate until 2028. Unless the team wins a championship, this could go down as one of the worst contracts in franchise history, as they are on track to be stuck with the two-time batting champion through 2033.
Originally reported by fansided.