2024-25 MLB Offseason: Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies’ winter wasn’t as eventful compared to the last few. Philadelphia got an extension done for Zack Wheeler before the 2024 season, ensuring he wouldn’t head to market after the season. And, the Phillies didn’t have many notable pending free agents, aside from two talented relievers. Philadelphia did add a former All-Star reliever to their ‘pen, plus a big-name starter from Miami.

Notable Additions

• OF Max Kepler (1.0 bWAR in 2024)
• SP Jesus Luzardo (0.8 bWAR)
• RP Jordan Romano (-0.3 bWAR)
• SP Joe Ross (0.5 bWAR in 2024)

The Phillies already had a strong rotation, headlined by two aces — Aaron Nola & Zack Wheeler — plus Ranger Suarez and Cristopher Sanchez. Philadelphia made it even stronger with Jesus Luzardo, acquired in a trade with the Marlins.

Luzardo posted strong numbers in 2022-23, highlighted by a 208-strikeout campaign in 2023. However, elbow tightness and a lumbar stress reaction limited him to only 66.2 IP. But when he’s clicking, Luzardo can effectively mix his pitches to generate swing-and-misses.

Philadelphia added Luzardo two weeks after solidfying their late-inning situation with Jordan Romano. Romano, like Luzardo, missed most of 2024 thanks to injury. Toronto non-tendered Romano, opening the door for the Phillies.

Romano possesses a strong slider with depth, coupled with a high-carry fastball. He was reliable as the Jays’ closer in 2022-23, important given who the Phillies lost this winter.

As for the offense, the Phillies made just one notable addition: Max Kepler. Kepler, signed in December and former 30-home run hitter, could fit in nicely with Philadelphia, as he’s an adept power hitter with bat speed. And, he’ll look to rebound after an injury-shortened 2024 campaign.

The addition of Max Kepler gives manager Rob Thompson ample options for his outfield alignment. In particular, how Thomspon can handle things in center field. Johan Rojas posted a .601 OPS last season in 120 games, while Brandon Marsh slashed .192/.270/.282 (.552 OPS) against left-handed pitching.

Now, the Phillies have the heightened ability to platoon the two.

Notable Losses

• RP Carlos Estevez (2.1 bWAR, 0.6 bWAR with Phillies)
• RP Jeff Hoffman (2.0 bWAR)
• SP Spencer Turnbull (1.3 bWAR)

The Phillies had their entire 2024 lineup under contract for 2025 heading into the winter. There were some plotlines to watch, though, including whether Philadelphia would move Nicholas Castellanos or Alec Bohm. Bohm, in particular, had his name thrown around amid the Nolan Arenado trade rumors.

Ultimately, the Phillies didn’t move Bohm, who posted a .681 OPS over the second half.

Philadelphia did see their top two relievers head to market, Carlos Estevez & Jeff Hoffman.

Estevez was acquired last summer in a midseason deal with the Angels. He pitched well, with a 2.57 ERA and 18 strikeouts over 21 frames. However, Estevez’s tenure will likely marked by the grand slam he surrendered in Game 4 of the 2024 NLCS. The ex-Phillie signed with the Royals.

As for Hoffman, the right-hander signed a Minor League deal with the Phillies in 2023 — a move that proved to be a steal. Hoffman finished in the top-20 in baseball among relievers, in terms of strikeouts and ERA, from 2023-24.

While some teams reportedly had interest in Hoffman as a starter, the Blue Jays signed him to replace Romano as the team’s closer.

What to Expect in 2025

Even though the Braves — who should get back Ronald Acuna Jr. & Spencer Strider back — and Mets — who now have Juan Soto — will be tough to take down, the Phillies should still very much be in the conversation.

One could argue the Phillies have the best rotation between the three times, as Philadelphia can line up three potent arms in Luzardo, Nola, and Wheeler, plus Sanchez, Suarez, and a healthier Taijuan Walker. Plus, the Phillies have big bats across their lineup.

Expect the NL East to be a three-horse race in 2025.