In a division as unforgiving as the National League East, standing still is rarely an option, and the Philadelphia Phillies know they can’t simply pack up their offseason plans and call it a day. With multiple rivals constantly looking for ways to gain an edge, Philadelphia has to remain proactive if it wants to keep pace and position itself as a true contender once again.
To their credit, the Phillies have already taken care of some important business this winter. Bringing back Kyle Schwarber ensured that one of the team’s most reliable power sources and clubhouse leaders would remain in the middle of the lineup.
Re-signing J.T. Realmuto was just as critical, as the veteran catcher continues to be one of the most complete players at his position, offering offensive production, defensive stability, and leadership behind the plate. Those moves helped preserve the core of a team that has enjoyed recent postseason success and signaled that the front office remains committed to winning now.
However, the offseason hasn’t been without its setbacks. The departure of left-handed starter Ranger Suárez to the Boston Red Sox left a noticeable gap in the rotation. Suárez had been a steady presence, capable of logging meaningful innings and delivering strong performances in both the regular season and the playoffs.
Losing him inevitably creates uncertainty, especially for a team with championship aspirations in a division loaded with talent. Even with some internal options available, replacing that kind of reliability is rarely simple.
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That reality underscores a broader truth about roster construction: no team ever truly reaches a point where all its needs are fully addressed. Injuries, underperformance, and unexpected opportunities can all reshape priorities in an instant. For the Phillies, this means continuing to scan the market for ways to improve, even as spring training approaches. While free agency has moved quickly at certain positions, other areas have developed more slowly, potentially leaving room for late additions that could provide real value.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Phillies are indeed still evaluating their options and may not be finished adding pieces. In a recent article published Thursday, Feinsand noted that Philadelphia is keeping an eye on at least two areas where upgrades could still make sense. This suggests that the front office is maintaining flexibility rather than locking itself into a finalized roster too early.
One of the most notable areas of focus is the starting rotation. While the organization remains optimistic about top pitching prospect Andrew Painter, the team is aware that relying too heavily on a young arm comes with risks. Painter is widely viewed as a long-term solution and a potential impact starter, but the Phillies understand the importance of easing him into that role. His development timeline, workload management, and health will all be key considerations.
Feinsand explained that while the plan is for Painter to eventually take over the rotation spot vacated by Suárez, the Phillies could look to bring in additional depth in the meantime. Specifically, the team may target a pitcher with the versatility to serve as a swingman—someone capable of starting games early in the season and then transitioning into a bullpen role once Painter is ready to assume a full-time spot in the rotation. That kind of flexibility would provide insurance and allow the coaching staff to manage innings more effectively.
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Adding a pitcher of that type would also help protect the team against injuries, which are almost inevitable over the course of a long season. Having a capable arm who can adapt to different roles gives the Phillies more options and reduces the pressure on younger or less experienced pitchers. In a division where every win can matter, depth often becomes the difference between making the playoffs and falling just short.
Beyond pitching, Feinsand’s reporting implies that Philadelphia is still open to exploring other areas of need as well. Even if the roster looks strong on paper, the front office appears intent on staying opportunistic. If the right player becomes available at the right price, the Phillies could be willing to act, especially if that move improves depth or provides matchup advantages against divisional opponents.
Ultimately, the Phillies’ approach reflects an understanding of the competitive landscape they face. The NL East is packed with teams that are constantly pushing to improve, and complacency can be costly. By re-signing key veterans, acknowledging the impact of important departures, and remaining open to further additions, Philadelphia is signaling that it intends to stay aggressive and adaptable.
As the offseason continues to wind down, the Phillies’ willingness to keep searching for upgrades could prove crucial. Whether it’s adding a versatile arm to bridge the gap until Andrew Painter is ready or making another under-the-radar move elsewhere on the roster, the team seems committed to giving itself every possible advantage heading into the new season.
Although he stops short of attaching a specific label to the type of player the Phillies might target, Mark Feinsand offers a clear picture of the profile they could be exploring by pointing to someone like Nick Martinez as an example.
Martinez, who most recently pitched for the Cincinnati Reds, is currently a free agent and has built a reputation throughout his career as one of baseball’s more flexible and dependable arms. He is not the kind of pitcher who draws headlines or commands top-of-the-market contracts, but his value lies in his adaptability. Martinez has spent meaningful stretches working as a starting pitcher, taking the ball every fifth day and giving his team solid, competitive innings.
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At other times, he has thrived in a bullpen role, often serving as a long reliever capable of bridging the gap between a short start and the late-inning relief corps. That ability to move seamlessly between roles makes him especially appealing to teams that prioritize depth and versatility over star power, particularly over the course of a long, grinding season.
A comparable name mentioned by Feinsand is Chris Bassitt of the Toronto Blue Jays. Like Martinez, Bassitt has shown throughout his career that he can handle different responsibilities on a pitching staff. While Bassitt is more established as a full-time starter in recent seasons, there have been points earlier in his career where he shifted roles as needed.
His experience highlights the type of pitcher organizations value when they want options—someone who can stabilize a rotation when injuries strike or provide length out of the bullpen if circumstances demand it. Even if Bassitt himself may not be a realistic or ideal target in every scenario, the mention underscores the broader theme: pitchers who are adaptable, reliable, and capable of filling multiple needs are highly attractive.
Feinsand’s analysis does not stop with pitching, however. In addition to strengthening their staff with another arm, he believes the Phillies could benefit from adding a right-handed-hitting outfielder.
Such a player would give the lineup more balance, especially against left-handed pitching, and provide manager Rob Thomson with more matchup flexibility. Two names that surface in this context are Miguel Andujar and Randal Grichuk, both of whom bring different strengths and market expectations.
Andujar, once a highly regarded offensive talent, appears to be the slightly more appealing option with the bat at this stage of his career. When healthy and locked in, he has shown the ability to produce consistent contact and drive the ball with authority, traits that can play well in a part-time or platoon role.
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Given how the free-agent market has unfolded this offseason, Andujar could be seeking a deal in the neighborhood of $6 million. That figure is not arbitrary; it reflects recent signings around the league, including Rob Refsnyder, who secured a contract in that range after establishing himself as a valuable platoon specialist. Andujar’s camp may point to that deal as a benchmark, arguing that his offensive upside justifies similar compensation.
Grichuk, on the other hand, is generally viewed as a more affordable alternative. While he may not offer quite the same offensive ceiling as Andujar, he brings his own set of advantages, including experience, power potential, and the ability to handle multiple outfield spots.
Because of where he sits in the market and how teams often evaluate his skill set, Grichuk would likely command a smaller financial commitment. For a team trying to manage payroll while still upgrading the roster, that could make him an appealing fallback or even a preferred choice, depending on internal priorities.
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Ultimately, Feinsand’s reporting suggests that the Phillies are far from finished shaping their roster. Even if no immediate moves are announced, there is a strong sense that the front office is continuing to explore opportunities and monitor the market closely. As spring training draws nearer, the urgency to finalize depth pieces—both on the mound and in the lineup—tends to increase. Injuries, competition battles, and evolving roster needs can all influence decision-making during this period.
Taken together, the picture that emerges is one of a team remaining proactive rather than complacent. Whether it is adding a versatile pitcher who can wear multiple hats or a right-handed outfielder who strengthens lineup balance, the Phillies appear intent on keeping their options open. With camps set to open soon, it would not be surprising if they make additional moves in the coming weeks, continuing to fine-tune the roster in pursuit of another deep postseason run.
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