Phillies Announce Trade on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Dec 10, 2025 5:44 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies’ offseason has officially gotten underway, and the organization wasted no time making a splash. On Wednesday, the club secured its top free agent target, left-handed designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, to a five-year deal worth $150 million.

The move ensures Schwarber’s power bat remains in the middle of the lineup and signals the beginning of what figures to be a busy winter for Philadelphia as they look to maintain their reign atop the NL East.

Despite consistent regular season success, the Phillies have struggled to translate that dominance into October glory. Their current core of Zack Wheeler , Aaron Nola, Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Schwarber is beginning to enter the latter stages of their careers, and the window to capture a World Series title is narrowing. Philadelphia last reached the Fall Classic in 2022, falling to the Houston Astros in six games.

Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson (59)Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Recognizing the need to bolster every area of the roster, particularly pitching depth, the Phillies made another move Wednesday by completing a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Philadelphia acquired right-hander Yoniel Curet in exchange for minor league pitcher Tommy McCollum, immediately adding Curet to the 40-man roster.

“The Phillies have acquired RHP Yoniel Curet (joan-YELL KOO-ret) from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for minor league pitcher Tommy McCollum. The Phillies 40-man roster currently stands at 35 players,” the team announced on X.

The Phillies have acquired RHP Yoniel Curet (joan-YELL KOO-ret) from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for minor league pitcher Tommy McCollum. The Phillies 40-man roster currently stands at 35 players.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) December 10, 2025

Curet, ranked 22nd among prospects in Tampa Bay’s system, was recently designated for assignment. Rather than waiting to see if he cleared waivers, Philadelphia acted quickly, viewing his upside as worth the investment.

The 23-year-old features an electric fastball but has battled command issues throughout his minor league career. His role with the Phillies remains uncertain, as he could be developed as either a starter or a reliever. With one option remaining, the organization has limited flexibility should he struggle at the big-league level.

Curet has spent five years in the minors, steadily working his way through the Rays’ system. If he makes his debut in Philadelphia, it will mark his first appearance on an MLB mound and a potential turning point for both his career and the Phillies’ quest to maximize their championship window.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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