The Phillies’ offseason spending appears to be winding down after key signings, leaving fans wondering about future moves.
Philadelphia: The Phillies are looking a bit quiet this offseason. They’ve made some big moves, but it seems like they might be done spending for now. They recently signed outfielder Max Kepler and reliever Jordan Romano, which are their two biggest signings so far.
After the Kepler deal was finalized, Dave Dombrowski, the team’s president of baseball operations, hinted that they might not be making any more big signings. He mentioned that he’d be surprised if they went after any more impactful offensive players.
In the past, the Phillies have been big spenders, bringing in stars like Bryce Harper and Trea Turner with hefty contracts. But this year, things are a bit different. Their payroll is so high that they’re essentially paying double for every new player. For instance, Kepler’s one-year deal for $10 million actually costs them around $19.25 million due to luxury tax penalties.
Right now, the Phillies are sitting at about $299 million, just shy of the next luxury tax threshold. If they wanted to sign a player for $20 million, it would end up costing them over $41 million. Dombrowski noted that while ownership hasn’t said no to spending, they still need to be mindful of the budget.
Kepler is expected to play left field, while Nick Castellanos will stay in right. However, Kepler hasn’t been the most consistent hitter against left-handed pitchers, which could complicate things. The team is looking at Johan Rojas and Weston Wilson as potential partners for him and Brandon Marsh.
As they look ahead to 2025, the Phillies are hoping for some internal improvements from their hitters, aside from Harper and Schwarber. Dombrowski feels confident about the current roster, saying they were pretty solid last season.
What’s next for the team? They’re still on the lookout for more pitching, especially a starter who can also pitch in relief if needed. Dombrowski mentioned they’re aiming for someone versatile, like a 2025 version of Spencer Turnbull. He’s optimistic about the current lineup but knows there’s always room for improvement.