The Philadelphia Phillies are putting an enormous amount of pressure on top prospects Andrew Painter and Justin Crawford. In the span of a few days, the rival New York Mets have traded for Freddy Peralta and Luis Robert Jr., continuing to reshape their team this offseason. Peralta is a starting pitcher like Painter, and Robert is an outfielder like Crawford. Bo Bichette ended up signing with the Mets instead of the Phillies as well. This led to the Phillies deciding to re-sign catcher J.T. Realmuto instead. Realmuto is entering his age-35 season, and after trading away Eduardo Tait, the Phillies lack a catcher of the future. The current Phillies 26-man roster is full of core players in their 30s, and those players are not getting any younger.
Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski told reporters on a conference call that the club is content with its current standing. That, quite frankly, is disgraceful. This complacency with the current group of players is leading to Painter and Crawford having to deliver in big ways this season. The Phillies continue to ignore the need that has held this team back for three consecutive seasons. They need a right-handed bat to protect Bryce Harper in the lineup. Bichette could have filled this role, but after the Mets made a better offer and signed him, the Phillies chose to throw their hands up and claim they tried. Trying but failing is not a sufficient explanation for not being creative enough to improve the lineup.
Phillies Pressure Prospects
Lack of Outfield Depth
Crawford is not currently on the Phillies’ 40-man roster. However, Nick Castellanos is expected to be released or traded before spring training concludes. This will open up a spot for Crawford. Outside of that, the Phillies currently have five other primary outfielders on their 40-man roster. This includes Adolis García and Brandon Marsh, who are expected to start alongside Crawford in the outfield, as well as Pedro León, Gabriel Rincones Jr., and Johan Rojas. Kyle Schwarber can play left field, but is primarily a designated hitter. Additionally, Otto Kemp, who is expected to platoon with Marsh, is listed as an infielder on the official roster. Bryan De La Cruz is also in the organization. Outside of that, Edmundo Sosa can also play outfield if needed.
Starting Pitching Concerns
Aaron Nola is coming off a career-worst season heading into the third year of the massive free-agent contract he signed after the 2023 season. Zack Wheeler is expected to start the season on the injured list. Jesús Luzardo struggled at times last season. Cristopher Sánchez is currently the Phillies’ lone 100% reliable starting pitcher. Ranger Suárez has signed in free agency with the Boston Red Sox, though his departure was expected. Painter and Taijuan Walker would be in the Phillies’ starting rotation to start the season as things currently stand. The Phillies have pitching depth in terms of the raw number of pitchers on the 40-man roster, but lack quality options. As a result, Painter, who did not pitch for most of 2023 or 2024 due to injury, will have to perform.
How to Add Depth at the Positions
The Phillies need to add outfield and starting pitching depth. After Cody Bellinger re-signed with the New York Yankees there are not any top outfield bats still on the free agent market. Miguel Andujar would be a good platoon partner for Marsh if the Phillies insist on continuing to run platoons in the outfield. Austin Slater is another potential option. A reunion with Harrison Bader is probably off the table at this point. Meanwhile on the starting pitching front, Jose Quintana or Aaron Civale could make sense. Neither position has that intriguing of options. Additionally, the Phillies seem unwilling to reshuffle the roster through trades. Dombrowksi and Phillies General Manager Preston Mattingly have some explaining to do to the fanbase.
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