The busiest man has certainly been busy since taking over as the Philadelphia Phillies’ team president and head of baseball operations in December 2020. Though he has made some significant free-agent acquisitions like Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos, and Trea Turner, his trade history in Philadelphia has been a bit quieter. Nevertheless, he has pulled off some impactful trades, especially in the bullpen, and has fortified the team’s rotation with Jesus Luzardo.
Luzardo, acquired in a trade with the Miami Marlins, represents the biggest trade move Dombrowski has made in his tenure with the Phillies. Luzardo, who has the potential to be a No. 2 or No. 3 starter, adds depth to a rotation that is now considered one of the best in baseball. This trade, though not involving the star power Dombrowski is known for in his previous roles with the Marlins, Tigers, and Red Sox, is nonetheless a strategic addition to the team’s pitching staff.
Some of Dombrowski’s other notable moves include acquiring reliever José Alvarado from the Tampa Bay Rays, center fielder Brandon Marsh from the Los Angeles Angels, and several minor trades to strengthen the bullpen and lineup depth. However, some of these deals haven’t panned out as expected. The trade for Brandon Marsh, for example, hasn’t quite worked out as planned, as he hasn’t fully taken over the everyday center fielder role. Similarly, the acquisition of Austin Hays from the Baltimore Orioles ended up being an unfortunate bust due to health issues.
Dombrowski’s trade record with the Phillies also includes acquiring veteran players like closers Carlos Estévez and David Robertson, but these moves were more about short-term solutions, with both players showing some struggles later in the season.
Looking ahead to 2025, it seems Dombrowski might still be open to making moves, especially with players like Alec Bohm, Ranger Suárez, and Brandon Marsh possibly being on the trading block. However, the Luzardo trade is a clear highlight of his tenure, and it solidifies the Phillies’ rotation for the immediate future. Fans and analysts alike will be keeping an eye on whether Dombrowski can continue to pull off the kinds of blockbuster trades he’s known for while still refining this Phillies roster for a championship run.
