As the Philadelphia Phillies move into the upcoming offseason, they must be selective about which players they pursue. Not every free agent or trade option being discussed around the league would be a good fit.
The organization is at a crossroads: their roster is strong enough to contend, but if they want to maximize their chances in 2026 and beyond, they must resist the temptation to load up on aging veterans or players whose production may already be trending downward. Instead of making moves that only address the short term, the Phillies must begin positioning themselves for sustained success.
A central priority for the franchise should be youth. The team has several talented prospects who are approaching major-league readiness, and next season represents an ideal opportunity to give those young players meaningful roles.
Integrating new, youthful talent carries risk, but it also brings energy, athleticism, and long-term upside—qualities the club needs if it wants to remain competitive over the next several seasons. To fully commit to this approach, Philadelphia must be willing to step back from certain familiar or comfortable roster decisions.
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That could include declining to re-sign or trade for players who, despite having name recognition or past success, are trending into the later stages of their careers. A prime example is the situation with J.T. Realmuto. Realmuto has been a cornerstone of the franchise, but he will turn 35 during the 2026 season.
Instead of committing a large contract to an aging catcher whose performance may begin to decline, the Phillies could explore acquiring or developing a younger option behind the plate. This type of decision—prioritizing the long-term health of the roster over sentiment or loyalty—is the type of strategic thinking required for this offseason.
President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski is not unfamiliar with aggressive moves; his track record shows he is willing to act boldly when he believes the team is one or two pieces away from a championship. However, this winter calls for discipline rather than splashy additions.
The Phillies can’t simply chase the most recognizable names on the market. They need to avoid signing or trading for players whose age, declining production, or contract demands would restrict roster flexibility.
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In short, the Phillies must approach the offseason with focus and restraint. Smart decisions—not big names—will determine whether the team enters the 2026 season with a roster that is not only competitive, but built to stay that way for years to come.
Players the Phillies Need To Avoid This Offseason
Nolan Arenado
Last offseason, the Philadelphia Phillies were floated as a possible destination for Nolan Arenado, sparking speculation that the team might pursue a blockbuster trade to bolster their infield.
Once again, Arenado’s name is circulating in trade rumors heading into this winter, and the Phillies are being mentioned as a theoretical match. However, even though Philadelphia could move Alec Bohm in a trade and has decisions to make regarding the future of third base, Arenado is not the correct solution.
Arenado’s 2025 season was one of the least productive of his career. In 107 games, he produced a batting line of .237/.289/.377, along with 12 home runs and 52 runs driven in. His overall offensive output translated to an 84 wRC+, meaning he hit 16 percent below league average—the second-worst full-season mark of his career. His batting average on balls in play (BABIP) was just .241, suggesting that even when he made contact, the results were unimpressive. While he still showed some plate discipline, finishing with a 0.57 walk-to-strikeout ratio, those positives don’t outweigh his noticeable decline in impact at the plate.
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Age is also becoming a factor. Arenado will be entering his age-35 season, and the statistical downturn raises concern that his best days are firmly behind him. On top of that, he carries a massive financial commitment. His current contract runs through the end of the 2027 season, and taking on that kind of deal could restrict Philadelphia’s payroll flexibility at a time when they should be aiming to stay young and avoid long-term financial burdens.
It is understandable why the St. Louis Cardinals are motivated to explore a trade—they want to shed salary and transition into a younger roster. Yet from the Phillies’ perspective, pursuing Arenado would be an unnecessary risk. Philadelphia should avoid sacrificing resources or taking on a declining player with a hefty contract.
Ketel Marte
According to a recent report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today, there is a growing expectation that Ketel Marte will be dealt during the upcoming offseason. The Arizona Diamondbacks are believed to be setting a steep price for any team interested in acquiring the switch-hitting infielder.
One major reason Arizona can afford to be selective is Marte’s contract status — he is signed through the 2030 season, and there is also a player option that covers 2031, giving the club long-term control and cost certainty.
Marte put together an impressive season at the plate. In 126 games, he posted a .283 batting average, a .376 on-base percentage, and a .517 slugging percentage. He finished with 28 home runs and drove in 72 runs, showcasing both power and consistency.
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His underlying numbers were just as strong, including a 145 wRC+ — indicating he was well above league average offensively — and a .290 batting average on balls in play. Additionally, his plate discipline stood out, as he produced an excellent 0.77 walk-to-strikeout ratio, demonstrating mature and efficient decision-making in the batter’s box.
Despite his strong production, Marte will be entering his age-32 season, and that raises questions for teams considering a long-term investment. For the Philadelphia Phillies specifically, the idea of moving Bryson Stott in a trade to acquire Marte appears unwise. Stott is younger, still improving, and projects to be a key piece of Philadelphia’s future. Giving up a player entering his prime for someone past age 30 does not align with the team’s long-term strategy. For now, keeping Stott remains the better decision.
Munetaka Murakami
According to a report from Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Philadelphia Phillies are expected to pursue Japanese star Munetaka Murakami this offseason. However, despite the intrigue surrounding his talent, the move doesn’t appear to be a logical fit for the club.
Murakami primarily plays the corner infield positions and can serve as a designated hitter. That limited defensive profile creates a positional conflict for Philadelphia, which already has established players occupying those roles.
Murakami’s offensive numbers in Japan are undeniably impressive. While playing for the Yakult Swallows in Nippon Professional Baseball this year, he posted a .273 batting average, along with a .379 on-base percentage and a .663 slugging percentage. Over 56 games, he produced 22 home runs and drove in 47 runs, finishing with a remarkable 210 wRC+. He also had a .279 BABIP and recorded a 0.50 walk-to-strikeout ratio. These statistics show a player with elite power and strong plate discipline.
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Still, there are legitimate concerns that work against the Phillies pursuing him. One major issue is his strikeout rate: Murakami has posted strikeout percentages above 25% for three consecutive seasons. Though he also draws walks at a double-digit rate, the amount of swing-and-miss in his game raises questions about how well his approach will translate to Major League pitching.
While the Phillies have made strategic efforts in recent seasons to build a stronger presence in the Japanese baseball market — and signing Murakami would certainly generate excitement — the risk appears to outweigh the reward. For a team with other roster needs and existing positional logjams, committing significant financial resources to a player with notable red flags simply doesn’t make enough sense.
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