The Philadelphia Phillies captured national attention with their unexpected run to the 2022 World Series, representing the National League. However, since falling short in that series against the Houston Astros, the team has experienced a gradual decline. In 2023, they were eliminated in the National League Championship Series by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
In 2024, the Phillies largely stuck with the same roster that had come close the previous year, making this season a “championship-or-bust” campaign. Unfortunately, they took another step back, losing 4-1 to the New York Mets in Game 4 of the National League Divisional Series, ending their season earlier than hoped.
As an underdog in 2022, Philadelphia thrived and reached their first World Series since 2009. But with higher expectations in the following two seasons, the Phillies have struggled in the playoffs, failing to capture the title.
Key players such as Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Nick Castellanos, Kyle Schwarber, and J.T. Realmuto will all be a year older in 2025, and the championship window with this core is narrowing. After making few adjustments to the roster last offseason, significant changes are likely needed this winter to keep the team competitive.
3 Phillies players who won’t be back for the 2025 season
With the Phillies falling short again in the postseason, there could be some unexpected trades this offseason. Players like Alec Bohm, Brandon Marsh, and Bryson Stott—who all battled inconsistency—are candidates to be moved. While they were once considered long-term solutions at their respective positions, their uneven performances in 2024 could lead the Phillies to explore different options.
Bohm has struggled defensively and at times offensively, raising questions about his future at third base. Marsh, despite moments of brilliance, has been inconsistent at the plate, and Stott’s development may not have reached the level the Phillies had hoped for at this point. These factors make them potential trade pieces, especially if the Phillies are looking to shake things up.
Beyond these three, other players not yet mentioned could also find themselves on the trade block. Philadelphia’s bullpen struggled throughout the year, particularly in the playoffs, and the team needs to bolster its positional depth. Expect president of baseball operations David Dombrowski to be aggressive in retooling the roster, as he’s known for making bold moves.
The Phillies will likely retain their core players like Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Zack Wheeler for 2025, but with championship aspirations and back-to-back disappointing postseason exits, significant changes seem inevitable. Trades involving Bohm, Marsh, Stott, or other underperforming members could be the first step in reshaping the team.
Jeff Hoffman
Jeff Hoffman’s 2024 season with the Phillies started on a high note but took a dramatic downturn in the final months, leading to his role in their disappointing postseason exit. From March through July, Hoffman was a key piece in the bullpen, successfully converting 9-of-12 save opportunities. However, following the acquisition of closer Carlos Estévez at the trade deadline, Hoffman’s usage as a closer diminished significantly, with only one save opportunity after August.
The turning point in his season came after the All-Star break. Hoffman struggled in August, posting a 5.56 ERA over 13 appearances. He followed that with a 4.00 ERA in September, as his form continued to waver heading into the playoffs.
During the National League Division Series against the New York Mets, Hoffman’s postseason woes became more evident. He allowed six earned runs over just 1 1/3 innings in three games, including a pivotal loss and blown save in Game 1. His struggles resurfaced in Game 4, where he loaded the bases and threw two wild pitches, ultimately being pulled before Carlos Estévez surrendered a grand slam that ended Philadelphia’s season.
Now a free agent, Hoffman’s future with the Phillies is uncertain. The inconsistency he displayed late in the season and during the playoffs may prompt the team to move on from the 31-year-old. Given the unpredictable nature of relievers and his recent performance, Philly may opt to explore internal options or seek a more reliable and affordable alternative in free agency, particularly if Hoffman attracts interest from other teams willing to offer him a more generous contract. His departure could be part of broader changes aimed at retooling the bullpen after a disappointing postseason showing.
Austin Hays
Nick Castellanos was the only consistent presence in the Phillies’ outfield in 2024, while the rest of the group—Brandon Marsh, Cristian Pache, Johan Rojas, Kody Clemens, and Weston Wilson—struggled with consistency, injuries, and time spent in the minors. The Phillies’ decision to enter the season with limited outfield depth backfired, and despite efforts to address the issue by trading for Austin Hays at the deadline, their outfield situation remained unstable.
Hays, who was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for reliever Seranthony Domínguez and Pache, played just 22 games for Philadelphia after his arrival. His regular season was interrupted by a hamstring strain in August and later a kidney infection in September, further limiting his contributions. Prior to the trade, Hays posted a .711 OPS with Baltimore, but his performance with the Phillies remained underwhelming, with a .672 OPS. Though manager Rob Thomson saw him as a full-time outfielder, Hays’ health and middling production prevented him from solidifying that role.
In the postseason, Hays’ impact was minimal. He started just one game, going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in Game 3 against Mets left-hander Sean Manaea. His limited playing time and lack of production in key moments did not inspire confidence that he can be relied upon as an everyday outfielder going forward.
Entering the final year of arbitration with an estimated salary of $6.47 million, Hays could be a trade candidate this offseason. Given his injury issues, average performance, and the Phillies’ need to bolster their outfield depth, the front office may be unwilling to commit to paying him that amount. President of baseball operations David Dombrowski and general manager Sam Fuld are likely to explore other options as they look to address the team’s positional depth and retool for 2025.
Carlos Estévez
Carlos Estévez provided a much-needed boost to the Phillies’ bullpen after being acquired at the trade deadline from the Los Angeles Angels. With a 2.57 ERA over 21 innings in the regular season and six saves in eight opportunities, he brought stability to a closer role that had been a concern for Philadelphia, particularly with José Alvarado struggling in the second half. Despite Estévez’s solid performance, his blown save in Game 4 of the NLDS—allowing a grand slam to Francisco Lindor—may impact how the Phillies evaluate his value going into the offseason.
Given that Estévez had a respectable 3.38 ERA and the lowest WHIP (1.13) among the Phillies’ bullpen arms during the postseason, the front office may be inclined to re-sign him. However, it’s unclear if they are willing to pay the premium he may command in free agency. Estévez is likely to receive multiple offers due to his solid regular season and track record as a proven closer, which could drive up his market price.
The Phillies have been known to prefer a bullpen-by-committee approach, often utilizing multiple relievers in closing situations based on matchups. This strategy might make them hesitant to commit significant financial resources to Estévez, especially if they feel they can find another closer in free agency or develop one from within their system. If they choose not to re-sign him, other potential targets like Tanner Scott or Kenley Jansen, both with closing experience, could be considered.
Ultimately, the decision to bring Estévez back will depend on how much the Phillies are willing to spend and whether they believe in continuing their flexible bullpen strategy. While Estévez has been a stabilizing force, Philadelphia may look for other options, especially if he commands a high price in free agency.
Leave a Reply