According to an MLB insider, the Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up for a “World Series push” by targeting a star player to bolster their roster this offseason.
For the second straight year, the Phillies fell short in the playoffs despite being among the championship favorites. In their National League Division Series loss to the New York Mets, the team’s inconsistent offense proved costly. Over four games, they managed just 12 runs — seven in a single outing — while posting a .186 batting average and a .597 OPS. Phillies hitters also struck out 38 times, highlighting their struggles at the plate.
This offensive inconsistency has plagued the team for two seasons, marked by prolonged slumps and a tendency to chase bad pitches.
To address these issues, the Phillies are reportedly exploring options to reshape their lineup ahead of 2025, whether by signing a marquee free agent or executing a blockbuster trade. Among their targets is superstar Juan Soto, whose presence could significantly upgrade the offense. The big question remains: can the Phillies secure him?
MLB insider reveals stars Philadelphia Phillies are targeting this offseason
During a Thursday appearance on 94WIP Sportsradio, ESPN MLB insider Buster Olney expressed confidence that the Phillies will acquire a major star this offseason.
“They’re going to get a star. I have no doubt,” Olney stated. He shared that one general manager described the Phillies as making a “World Series tilt” effort, adding, “They’re in that vein. The Yankees are in that vein. The Padres are in that vein.”
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Olney identified two potential targets for the Phillies: Chicago White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet, whom the team reportedly pursued in a trade last season, and free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman.
If the Phillies are serious about signing Bregman, a two-time All-Star with the Houston Astros, it would likely mean parting ways with current third baseman Alec Bohm. Olney commented on Bohm’s defensive struggles: “He’s not going to be a good defensive third baseman. [Other teams] do like the bat. Their eyebrows are raised that the Phillies are open to trading him.”
Bohm, who earned his first All-Star selection in 2024, was benched during Game 2 of the NLDS in favor of Edmundo Sosa due to a prolonged slump and body language issues that reportedly concerned the team.
As for Juan Soto, Phillies owner John Middleton has declared the team a “stalking horse” in the Soto sweepstakes. However, Olney believes the star outfielder is more likely to land with the Phillies’ NL East rival.
“In the end, I think the Mets will separate themselves from all other teams,” Olney said. “We’re going to see a crazy number in the end. If you’re the Phillies, are you going to outbid the richest owner? The Yankees? The Blue Jays?”
The Phillies’ projected 2025 payroll stands at $269 million, with eight players earning $18 million or more annually, according to FanGraphs.
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