John Middleton Discusses 'Legacy' of Owning Phillies

Middleton has opened his wallet far more than most MLB owners in recent years. In addition to the Harper contract, the Phillies gave Aaron Nola and J.T. Realmuto hearty extensions, signed Zack Wheeler, Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos, and Trea Turner, and later made Wheeler the highest-paid pitcher in baseball (excluding Shohei Ohtani, who has a deferred contract). Over a billion dollars have been invested in the club's core of players.

But the second half of Middleton's statement hints at the job that's been left unfinished. The 2022 Phillies made it to the World Series but fell two wins short of bringing home the franchise's third title. Red October was back on the last two years, but both times, the Phils didn't make it to the final round.

Now, time may be running out for the current group. Realmuto and Schwarber are impending free agents. Harper, Nola, Turner, and Casty are all in their early 30s. Wheeler is about to be 35.

Middleton and his right-hand man, Dave Dombrowski, have the fourth-highest payroll in the majors this season ($284 million) and will continue to show fans that they're serious about winning it all. But it's ultimately up to the team they've assembled to finish the job stalled since 2009.

Until then, Middleton will repeat the phrase he's said each time the Phillies clinch a playoff spot: "I want my (expletive) trophy back!"