Phillies Offseason – Potential Trade and Free Agent Additions

Murakami’s potential posting this offseason will attract several big-market teams, and the Phillies could be one of the most aggressive bidders. The Los Angeles Dodgers are the front-runners, but Dave Dombrowski will likely try hard to land him. Adding Murakami would electrify the fanbase and inject youthful star power into a lineup that has grown older.

Tyler Rogers – RHP, New York Mets

The Phillies’ bullpen has been a roller coaster over the past few seasons. It settled down after the addition of Jhoan Duran, but still lacks experienced depth. Tyler Rogers offers the exact type of stability it needs. The side-arming right-hander has been one of the most dependable relievers in the National League with pinpoint control. After being dealt to New York at the deadline, Rogers pitched to a 1.98 ERA in 77 innings. The veteran’s side-arm angle would throw off batters for when power arms like Duran, Matt Strahm, or Jose Alvarado follow up. He could easily slot into the seventh or eighth inning to allow Orion Kerkering to move to lower leverage spots.

Brad Keller – RHP, Chicago Cubs

Brad Keller reinvented himself as a reliable bullpen arm after moving away from starting duties. The 30-year-old right-hander thrived in Chicago, posting a 2.94 FIP across 68 appearances while emerging as one of the Cubs’ most trusted relievers. Keller’s heavy sinker and ground-ball profile would play well at Citizens Bank Park, giving the Phillies a durable, multi-inning reliever who can handle late-game pressure without the volatility that’s plagued their bullpen in recent postseasons.

Nestor Cortes or Walker Buehler – SP Options

The Phillies have the top of the rotation locked with Cristopher Sánchez, Aaron Nola, and Jesús Luzardo, but questions remain beyond them. Zack Wheeler will start the season late after thoracic outlet surgery, and Ranger Suárez is likely to leave in free agency. Taijuan Walker isn’t a great option past a few starts, and Andrew Painter will fight for his spot, although expectations are cooler after his 2025 roller-coaster season in Triple-A.

Nestor Cortes would bring a different dynamic. Unlike the arms of Luzardo, Sánchez, and Wheeler, Cortes relies on deception, command, and poise. He is hurt and likely won’t return until after the All-Star break, offering a stash play for the Phillies. Cortes could give the Phillies a reliable back-rotation option while adding valuable postseason experience.

Walker Buehler is a familiar option. Joining the Phillies after the deadline, Buehler didn’t do badly in his few appearances, pitching to a 3-0 record with a 0.66 ERA. Buehler is coming off multiple injuries but remains just 31 years old. A short-term, incentive-based deal could make sense for both sides.

Bo Bichette – INF, Toronto Blue Jays

The Bo Bichette rumors continue to run rampant. The Blue Jays infielder will likely be available, especially after Toronto gives Vladdy Guerrero Jr. the Brinks truck after a World Series berth. The past All-Star would give a swing-and-miss Phillies lineup much-needed contact skills with sure-handed offensive consistency. His defense isn’t great, making him an iffy replacement at third base if Alec Bohm is moved. Shortstop is locked down with Trea Turner, but Bichette can also play second base.

Jarren Duran – OF, Boston Red Sox

Jarren Duran has been linked to the Phillies in the past. Rumors floated around deadline season that the Phillies may have been interested — they should be. The 29-year-old outfielder is under control until 2028 and would cost a nice package. Duran’s speed and athleticism would bring something they’ve lacked for years — a true top-of-the-order spark plug with defensive range and baserunning ability. With 159 hits and 16 homers in 2025, Duran can be even better. It’s come out that Boston will likely trade him, and Duran’s fit in Philadelphia would make plenty of sense. The pitching prospects in the Phillies’ farm system could come in handy.

Trent Grisham – OF, New York Yankees

Trent Grisham is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, hitting a personal-best 34 home runs while posting a 3.5 bWAR for the Yankees. The 29-year-old lefty brings superb defense and a patient approach at the plate. Likely to cost around $15 million per year, a two-year deal would confidently keep the window open. He’s an appealing option for a Philadelphia outfield that lacks stability. While he’s more of a platoon bat against right-handers, his ability to draw walks, supply power, and play all three outfield spots could make him a valuable fit. Again, he is a lefty. 

Dave Dombrowski has never shied away from bold moves, and with the fanbase hungry for a parade down Broad Street, this offseason could be one of the most pivotal for the Phillies in recent memory.