{"id":19928,"date":"2024-12-21T21:58:29","date_gmt":"2024-12-21T21:58:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=19928"},"modified":"2024-12-21T21:58:29","modified_gmt":"2024-12-21T21:58:29","slug":"discuss-whats-next-for-the-phillies-this-offseason","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=19928","title":{"rendered":"DISCUSS: What’s next for the Phillies this offseason?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Immediately after the Phillies announced the signing of outfielder Max Kepler to a one-year deal on Friday, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski made it clear that the team expects Kepler to play a significant role next season.<\/p>\n

Dombrowski didn\u2019t stop there, sharing his thoughts on everything from the club\u2019s pursuit of star Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki to what other moves the organization may (or may not) have in store this offseason and what\u2019s going on with Alec Bohm, among other topics.<\/p>\n

Here are the main takeaways from Dombrowski\u2019s session:<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the plan for Kepler and the outfield?<\/p>\n

The Phillies believe that Kepler can — and will — be the team\u2019s everyday left fielder. After a 2024 season that consisted largely of using platoons in both left and center field, Dombrowski made it clear that the Phils hope to avoid deploying platoons at too many positions in 2025.<\/p>\n

That means that the intention is to start Kepler in left field, which would shift Brandon Marsh to center field, where he will compete with Johan Rojas for reps. Nick Castellanos will stay in right field.<\/p>\n

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Are there any big moves coming?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kepler\u2019s one-year deal was for $10 million, according to multiple sources. That comes after Philadelphia signed reliever Jordan Romano to a\u00a0one-year, $8.5 million deal on Dec. 9.<\/p>\n

Those were strong indicators that the Phillies are being very mindful of their 2025 payroll — and Dombrowski confirmed as much on Friday. Kepler\u2019s deal pushes them close to the fourth luxury tax threshold, at $301 million. Every dollar spent over $301 million is taxed at a 110 percent rate.<\/p>\n

“I\u2019d be surprised if we got into impactful-type of free-agent signings from an offensive perspective,\u201d Dombrowski said. \u201cI don’t want to say it’s a tight payroll. From an ownership perspective, I don’t think I’ve ever gone to John [Middleton] on anything and him say, ‘No, don’t do something.’<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you still try to keep things in perspective. We’re over $300 million in the threshold. Everybody we sign is a major penalty at this point. So you’re cognizant of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Does that mean the Phillies aren\u2019t pursuing Sasaki?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The\u00a0Sasaki sweepstakes\u00a0have been heating up after the 23-year-old right-hander was posted at the start of the Winter Meetings.<\/p>\n

Like many teams, the Phillies made their pitch to Sasaki — but it doesn\u2019t sound like he\u2019ll be coming to Philadelphia at this point.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have not been invited to talk to him at this point,\u201d Dombrowski said. \u201cI’m not making any proclamations because we haven’t been told, but probably running a little bit late if we’re going to be invited to the table. We sent in our original information to him that was requested [and] they know we would very much like to have a presentation, but so far, we haven’t been invited to the table.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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What\u2019s the latest on Bohm trade rumors?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Manager Rob Thomson acknowledged during the Winter Meetings that he checked in with Bohm recently to discuss the third baseman\u2019s name coming up frequently in trade rumors this offseason. While the Phils have certainly listened to offers, nothing appears imminent at this time — and Dombrowski stopped short of saying the club is actively shopping him.<\/p>\n

“I’m not worried about it; there’s a lot of rumors,\u201d Dombrowski said. \u201cHe’s been working hard. He continues to do so. Topper felt very comfortable with the conversations. In many ways, it’s a tribute to him that his name has come up.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe continue to, of course, like him a great deal. I think he’s going to come out and have a tremendous season. He’s driven in 97 runs the last two years in a row, he’s improved at third base and I think he’s only going to continue to get better and better. So no, I’m not worried about [the rumors affecting him].”<\/p>\n

So, is there anything left to do this offseason?<\/strong><\/p>\n

With the Phillies seemingly out on Sasaki and not expected to make a push for any of the top remaining free agents, it appears the roster is mostly set for Spring Training. That said, Dombrowski did share one area in which the Phils are still looking to make a move.<\/p>\n

\u201cIdeally, we would like to come up with that starting pitching depth,\u201d Dombrowski said. \u201cSomebody who could be that starter\/reliever for us. That would be our main thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Phillies\u2019 rotation appears set with Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Su\u00e1rez, Cristopher S\u00e1nchez and Taijuan Walker all coming back, plus\u00a0No. 2 prospect\u00a0Andrew Painter waiting in the wings. Still, the team would like to add a guy who could slide into the rotation, if needed, or pitch out of the bullpen if all is well with the starting staff — similar to Spencer Turnbull provided last season.<\/p>\n

“You can always get better and we’ll look to get better,\u201d Dombrowski said. \u201cBut I do like our club.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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