The Philadelphia Phillies enter a crucial 2025-26 offseason. After another playoff run ended short of the ultimate goal, Dave Dombrowski and the front office will search for answers. The Phillies’ championship window remains wide open, but the weak areas on the roster need to be dealt with. These include outfield depth, power, bullpen reliability, and filling a starting rotation that is without Zack Wheeler at the start. Expect Dombrowski to explore both international and domestic options this winter and possibly a trade or two.
Without naming Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, Ranger Suárez, and Harrison Bader, let’s go through reasonable, possible targets that could find themselves wearing Phillies red in 2026.
Potential Trade & FA Additions for Phillies This Offseason
Mike Yastrzemski – OF, San Francisco Giants
Mike Yastrzemski represents the type of veteran outfield presence the Phillies could use this offseason. The 34-year-old was a late bloomer, not becoming a sturdy piece until his late 20s, and he is now a free agent for the first time. He is the face of strong plate discipline and has an above-average on-base percentage. Yastrzemski is left-handed, which is a bit redundant with Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Brandon Marsh, and Schwarber (if re-signed). The veteran outfielder could play a perfect platoon, posting an .809 OPS against right-handed pitching in 2025. He surely can’t hit lefties, but would pair well with an outfielder able to handle the RHP duties.
Munetaka Murakami – 3B/1B, Tokyo Yakult Swallows (NPB)
The Phillies are desperate to break into the Japanese international market, and Munetaka Murakami would open the gates. Only 25, the Japanese superstar has dominated in NPB. Murakami has multiple MVP awards and has 250 career home runs. In 2025, he hit 26 bombs in 69 games plus a 1.051 OPS. If the Phillies think Alec Bohm has overstayed his time in Philadelphia, this is a clear upgrade at the hot corner. The knock is that he’s another lefty and a big whiffer, two traits the Phillies hope to get away from. His left-handed swing seems tailor-made for Citizens Bank Park, and he is a younger option who’s power-first.
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.
Bo Bichette had never played second base in MLB before tonight
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— MLB (@MLB) October 25, 2025
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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.
Main Photo Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
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