The Philadelphia Phillies’ offseason has certainly been a mixture of optimism and frustration for the fanbase. Coming off a disappointing exit from the 2024 playoffs, many expected a more impactful series of moves to address their most pressing needs—particularly in the outfield and bullpen. However, the offseason has been relatively quiet compared to the high-profile rumors that circulated earlier in the winter.
Outfield Struggles and Max Kepler’s Signing
The biggest area of concern for the Phillies was their outfield, where they finished 20th in fWAR and 21st in wRC+ in 2024. Fans hoped for a more dynamic addition to solidify the outfield, and while Max Kepler was brought in, it’s unclear if he will be enough of an upgrade. Kepler is a solid player but doesn’t have the offensive upside many hoped for, especially when considering some of the more significant names the Phillies were linked to, such as Kyle Tucker or even trade speculation around top-tier talent like Nolan Arenado.
Bullpen Reinforcements
The Phillies also needed to address the bullpen, particularly after losing Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez. In response, they added veteran All-Star closer Jordan Romano and depth arm Joe Ross. While these moves are sensible, neither is the kind of transformative addition the team was rumored to be pursuing. Fans had hoped for a more high-profile arm or a bigger splash, but the current moves, while solid, don’t create the kind of excitement that would push the Phillies over the top.
Jesús Luzardo Trade
The biggest move of the offseason was the trade for Jesús Luzardo, a talented left-handed starter. Luzardo adds depth and potential to an already strong starting rotation, which includes Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Ranger Suárez. This trade bolsters an already stacked rotation and could be a key asset down the stretch. However, the question remains—does strengthening the rotation make the team a contender if the outfield and bullpen aren’t sufficiently improved?
Fan Expectations vs. Reality
The Phillies’ offseason was filled with talk about bold moves and significant changes, but in the end, the front office has opted for a more conservative approach. Todd Zolecki, a Phillies beat writer for MLB.com, summed up the sentiment perfectly: “It would be surprising, however, if the Phillies don’t do something more significant before Spring Training. They need to.” Zolecki’s assessment reflects the growing concern that the Phillies have not addressed all their roster gaps, especially in the outfield.
The Need for a Bigger Move
Given the team’s competitive window and the expectations from both the fanbase and the front office, it’s hard to shake the feeling that the Phillies aren’t finished yet. While they’ve added solid depth pieces, it’s clear they still need a more impactful move, whether that’s addressing the outfield with a proven star or strengthening the bullpen even further.
As the countdown to spring training continues, the question remains—will the Phillies pull off a game-changing trade or signing to round out the roster, or will they be content with their current adjustments? For fans hoping to see the team make a run at a World Series in 2025, the answer to that question is crucial.
