2025-26 MLB Offseason Recap: Philadelphia Phillies

Yet again, the Phillies were bounced in the NLDS after winning the NL East. It was a tough blow for several reasons. But perhaps most notably, it meant the Phillies were likely due for roster changes, with several players going to market over the winter. Here’s how the Phillies changed up the roster over the offseason.

Additions

• RP Kyle Backhus
• RP Jonathan Bowlan
• RP Brad Keller
• OF Adolis Garcia
• RP Chase Shugart
• RP Zach Pop

Re-aligning the relief pitcher core was a priority for the Phillies over the winter.

Arguably, the most notable addition was ex-Cubs reliever Brad Keller. Once a starter with the Kansas City Royals, Keller got his career back on track as a hard-throwing reliever with the Cubs. He’s got a starters’ pitch mix as a back-end pitcher, perfect for giving opposing teams different looks — which he was able to do effectively with Chicago last season.

The Phillies went after another one of those relievers with a deep repertoire, in former Pirate Chase Shugart. Shugart was acquired via trade after the Pirates designated him for assignment over the winter.

Philadelphia also acquired funky lefty Kyle Backhus from the Diamondbacks, plus signed ex-Marlin and Blue Jay Zach Pop to a Major League deal.

However, the biggest signing from a name recognition standpoint was Adolis Garcia, the former 30-home run hitter who excelled for three years as a formidable slugger with the Texas Rangers.

Garcia’s aggressiveness at the plate, coupled with injuries and a big swing, were factors in a significant decrease in offensive production. However, he can still be a factor defensively and did hit 25 home runs two seasons ago.

The Phillies signed Garcia to a one-year deal in December.

Losses

• OF Harrison Bader
• SP Walker Buehler
• OF Nick Castellanos
• OF Max Kepler
• RP David Robertson
• RP Jordan Romano
• RP Matt Strahm
• SP Ranger Suarez
• INF/OF Weston Wilson

Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto stuck around, as both re-signed with the team after heading to the market in the winter.

But even though those two came back, a lot of familiar faces are no longer with the Phillies.

We should start with perhaps the most impactful loss: Ranger Suarez. Suarez went from fringe prospect to useful reliever to one of baseball’s best finesse pitchers. The left-hander was unfazed in high-pressure situations, induced a lot of groundballs, and was a leaned-upon starter for parts of five seasons with the big club.

Suarez, though, left in free agency and signed with the Red Sox over the winter.

Another notable left-hander, Matt Strahm, is also no longer with the team. He was traded away to the Royals in a salary dump deal that netted the Phillies pitcher Jonathan Bowlan.

Strahm was at one point used as a starter for the Phillies. However, he was most useful as a reliever who could be used in a lot of different situations, including the middle and late innings.

The Phillies also made changes to the outfield core. Harrison Bader, who was one of baseball’s best hitters over the final two months, hit the free agent market again and cashed in with the Giants. And, Philadelphia opted not to return Max Kepler, who struggled with the team and was suspended for PEDs over the winter.

Nick Castellanos was released by the team in February. Castellanos had a down 2025 season, as well as difficulties with the bench management. When Castellanos was released, he noted on social media that he was reprimanded after he brought beer into the dugout during the game.

Philadelphia also didn’t retain Walker Buehler, who pitched well for the team in September. David Robertson, who, like Buehler, signed with the team midseason, retired after last year.

Overview

This upcoming season will be an interesting one in Philadelphia. Aside from Suarez, the core of the team remains unchanged. And, several youngsters will be leaned upon to fill in the holes on the roster.

The Phillies didn’t bring in any notable starting pitcher help, which means that Andrew Painter should get a lot of rope. And with multiple outfielders gone and Johan Rojas suspended, Justin Crawford‘s door to the Majors was ripped wide open.

Philadelphia’s bullpen looks remarkably better heading into Opening Day 2026, compared to ’25. But will an improved bullpen be enough to push the Phillies over the finish line? Time will tell.