3 questions facing the Philadelphia Phillies this offseason

The Philadelphia Phillies season was seemingly on life support after the first month.

The Phillies had started the season with an 8-8 record, only to lose 11 of their next 12 games. Manager Rob Thomson was fired, with Don Mattingly taking over in an interim role. The Phillies caught fire under Mattingly, winning 16 of his first 20 games at the helm to roar back into the postseason picture, ultimately taking home the last wild-card spot, where they were eliminated by the Atlanta Braves.

The Phillies are a veteran team built to win now. While that has worked — the Phillies and Dodgers are the only two teams to reach the postseason in each of the last five years — they have fallen short of the ultimate prize. This could be a pivotal offseason as the Phillies look to keep their window of contention open.

Three questions facing the Philadelphia Phillies

1. What to do with Trea Turner?

A perennial All-Star candidate, Turner had been a catalyst atop the Phillies lineup. His game took a significant step backward in 2026 as he posted a disappointing .242/.297/.378 batting line with 19 homers and 29 doubles while stealing 21 bases in his 700 plate appearances — his 81 OPS+ (league average is 100) was his worst mark since his 44 plate appearances in 2015. Turner continued to struggle defensively at short as well as he has cost the Phillies 39 runs defensively, including 17 runs in 2026, over the past four years.

Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reported that the Phillies had spoken to Turner about his defensive struggles, stating that he must improve at short or be moved elsewhere. Moving Turner to the outfield could solve the Phillies issues there, especially if Aidan Miller shows he is ready.

2. What is the plan at third base?

Miller's ascension to the majors could take place regardless of what happens with Turner. Alec Bohm was allowed to test free agency and is not expected to return to Philadelphia. Miller has exclusively played at third base during his time in the Arizona Fall League, potentially opening an avenue for the Phillies to include him on the Opening Day roster.

The Phillies may not have many other options. NPB third baseman Teruaki Sato is considered the top option at the hot corner in free agency, with the likes of Eugenio Suarez and Edmundo Sosa joining Bohm as the best of the rest. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Phillies are interested in Sato but they will have plenty of competition for his services.

3. Can the Phillies overhaul the bullpen?

The Phillies appeared to have a solid bullpen heading into the 2026 season, with Brad Keller, Orion Kerkering and Jose Alvarado setting up closer Jhoan Duran. Those plans did not pan out as Alvarado and Kerkering struggled, with Kerkering being sent to Triple-A to close out the season. Keller was merely close to league average as he battled injuries.

While that trio should be better in 2027, the Phillies have an eye on the bullpen. Matt Gelb of The Athletic reported that the Phillies are looking to add a left-handed setup man to help bridge the gap to Duran. There are plenty of solid lefty relievers in free agency despite the overall weak crop of players, giving the Phillies options. However, adding one left-handed reliever may not be enough as they look to return to the postseason for a sixth consecutive year.