Five things we know as Phillies travel to the Winter Meetings originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The temperature outside may be dropping, but the hot stove is heating up.
From December 7-10, the Winter Meetings will take place in Orlando. The early stages of the offseason have moved slowly across baseball, but momentum is expected to build — especially for the Phillies. Here are five things to know as the meetings begin.
The Schwarber Sweepstakes is on
All offseason long, it’s been clear that one of — if not the biggest — priorities for the Phillies is bringing back the 32-year-old slugger. And for good reason. Kyle Schwarber is coming off his best season in Philadelphia, delivering a 56-homer, 132-RBI campaign. Although, just ten days ago, the Phils and Schwarber were “not close to a deal,” per MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki.
A true leader, strong community presence and an all-around professional, it’s no surprise his market includes multiple suitors. Big-market teams like the Mets and Red Sox have shown interest, but it’s Schwarber’s hometown team making a strong push.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Reds are one of the strongest suitors. Rosenthal notes that Cincinnati could have roughly $20 million to spend on next season based on comments from GM Nick Krall. The Phillies aren’t worried about getting outbid by the Reds for the Middletown, Ohio native, but Cincinnati is a much younger club that could benefit from his veteran presence.
Contract length is a key variable. On MLB Network, former GM and analyst Steve Phillips suggested that a fifth year may decide where Schwarber lands — and that could tilt the race toward the Reds.
If the Phillies don’t retain Schwarber, attempting to replace his power becomes the next priority. That could come through free agency (Pete Alonso, Marcell Ozuna), the posted Japanese market (Munetaka Murakami, Kazuma Okamoto), or potentially a trade if Byron Buxton waives his no-trade clause in Minnesota.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently noted on Threads that the Schwarber decision could come by the end of the meetings. Buckle up.
Where things stand with J.T. Realmuto
There are few players who know the Phillies’ pitching staff as well as Realmuto. The 34-year-old has spent the past six seasons in Philadelphia, and a thin catching market makes him one of the most attractive options available.
Passan reported that Realmuto is unlikely to seek more than a two-year deal, which increases the chances of a return. Boston and Texas were initially viewed as potential suitors, but neither team is expected to spend aggressively behind the plate.
The value he brings behind the plate remains a separator. On MLB Network, Jesús Luzardo highlighted Realmuto’s preparation and individualized game-planning, saying he “always has such a good plan,” with a clear understanding of how each pitcher attacks a lineup. He also added that the staff has “a lot of faith, a lot of confidence in him back there.”
If the Phillies leave Orlando with clarity on Schwarber and Realmuto, their offseason path becomes much sharper.
Names floated in trade talks
The contract dump of Nick Castellanos has dominated trade speculation, but other players have been mentioned in recent reporting, including Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott and, more unexpectedly, Brandon Marsh. Nothing appears imminent, but the organization could be moving away from running out a similar core.
A recent name mentioned in industry speculation is Matt Strahm. Adam Jude of The Seattle Times expressed that the Mariners are exploring left-handed bullpen options and identified Strahm as a fit. The left-hander has one year of club control remaining and has been effective in leverage situations while offering multi-inning capability.
Seattle also presents a potential match because of its roster situation. Randy Arozarena, entering his final arbitration year, would fill a need as a right-handed bat and is coming off his fifth straight 20-home run, 20-steal season. The Mariners also have an organizational surplus behind the plate, with top catching prospect Harry Ford blocked by Cal Raleigh, and they have a need at third base, where Bohm is a fit.
Randy Arozarena – Credit: Joe Nicholson (Imagn Images)
Once the top free agents sign, trade activity typically picks up quickly. It would not be surprising if the Phillies are involved on either side of a swap if one takes place soon.
How set is the Phillies’ rotation?
Starting pitching has received the least attention early in the offseason. The rotation just posted the lowest starter ERA in the National League at 3.53. But there are still questions that will shape the next few weeks.
Ranger Suárez is expected to have a strong market even if there has been little public noise to this point. His price likely rose after Dylan Cease signed a seven-year, $210 million deal with Toronto, putting him in a range that may be difficult for the Phillies to match with nearly $100 million already committed to their rotation in 2026 — without Suárez.
On Bleacher Report, Jon Heyman reported that the Phillies have maintained interest in a reunion and that Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai, who is expected to land a nine-figure deal, is a potential fit.
With Zack Wheeler recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, adding depth to the rotation would make sense, though it may depend on whether the Phillies can alleviate some of their payroll by moving Taijuan Walker.
A more affordable route exists through the mid-tier market, including options such as Nestor Cortes or Tyler Mahle, or potentially a reunion with Walker Buehler at an even lower number.
That scenario would require confidence in Andrew Painter taking a rotation spot out of camp. A group of Sánchez, Luzardo, Nola, Walker and Painter is viable on Opening Day, but the risk comes if Wheeler needs additional time to regain his form.
The market lacks top-end depth, but it has options that fit the middle.
Is Marte still an option?
Last month, Arizona signaled a willingness to discuss trades involving Ketel Marte, and on November 26, the Phillies and Blue Jays reportedly checked in. Marte has a full no-trade clause but did not include Philadelphia or Toronto on his list.
Acquiring him would be expensive, but if Schwarber leaves, the 32-year-old second baseman is one of the few alternatives that keeps the Phils among the top teams in the game.
Marte is a switch-hitter who has produced from both sides and would add a level of versatility the Phillies have lacked in their lineup in recent years. His contract also aligns well with the Phillies’ approach. He is owed $28 million over the next two seasons, a number that provides enough financial flexibility to remain active in other parts of the market.
Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen will likely have multiple conversations in Orlando, and the Phillies’ willingness to involve top prospects will determine how serious those talks become.
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