Sean Kane and Spencer McKercher both hope and want Kyle Schwarber to return next season, but what could the contract look like? They discuss on the latest Phillies Talk podcast.
As the Phillies head into what could be their most pivotal offseason in years, the front office faces a long to-do list.
Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, Ranger Suárez, Harrison Bader and Max Kepler headline a crowded free-agent class, while bullpen arms Jordan Romano, David Robertson, Lou Trivino and Tim Mayza — plus starter Walker Buehler — are also set to hit the market.
With needs behind the plate, across the pitching staff and in the outfield, expect Dave Dombrowski to be aggressive with his payroll.
Here’s a look at ten realistic targets who could fit what the Phillies need:
Victor Caratini, C
2025: 114 G, .259/.324/.404, 12 HR, 46 RBI, .728 OPS, 0.9 WAR
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If J.T. Realmuto departs, Caratini offers a capable bridge option. The 32-year-old quietly put together one of his best seasons, ranking in the 77th percentile or better in chase, whiff, and strikeout rate. His switch-hitting bat provides steady contact and the ability to get on base, but defensive inconsistency has limited him to part-time duty in recent stops. The Phillies could pair Caratini with Rafael Marchán to form a balanced tandem that prioritizes contact and pitch-handling without a major financial commitment.
Projected contract: 2 years, $25 million
Pete Alonso, 1B
2025: 162 G, .272/.347/.524, 38 HR, 126 RBI, .871 OPS, 3.4 WAR
Alonso remains one of baseball’s most dangerous right-handed hitters. In his seventh big league season, he ranked in the 95th percentile or better in average exit velocity, barrel rate, and expected slugging. The glove remains serviceable, but his power makes him elite — and he’d bring a true middle-of-the-order presence if Kyle Schwarber walks. Alonso’s durability, big-market experience, and run production make him an ideal fit to protect Bryce Harper and add balance to a lefty-heavy lineup.
Projected contract: 4 years, $130 million
Josh Naylor, 1B
2025: 147 G, .295/.353/.462, 20 HR, 92 RBI, .816 OPS, 3.1 WAR
Naylor’s bat brings a lot of stability. The 29-year-old limited strikeouts (83 Ks in 604 PAs) while maintaining strong production against both lefties (.287) and righties (.298). With runners on, he slashed .324/.376/.506, showing value in bigspots. His 30 steals made him just the fourth primary first baseman in MLB history to post a 20–30 season. For a team that could use more contact and situational hitting, Naylor’s aggressive but controlled approach would fit cleanly into Philadelphia’s middle order.
Projected contract: 3 years, $63 million
Alex Bregman, 3B
2025: 114 G, .273/.360/.462, 18 HR, 62 RBI, .821 OPS, 3.5 WAR
If the Phillies explore upgrading from Alec Bohm, Bregman is the logical choice. The 32-year-old posted a 128 OPS+ and continued to provide solid defense (3 OAA) at third base. His career postseason line — .791 OPS with 19 homers — reflects the consistency the Phillies have lacked in October. A disciplined right-handed bat with elite control of the zone, Bregman fits the front office’s preference for veterans with playoff experience and on-base skills.
Projected contract: 4 years, $115 million
Luis Robert Jr., OF (Club Option: $20 million)
2025: 110 G, .223/.297/.364, 14 HR, 53 RBI, .661 OPS, 1.4 WAR
Robert’s season was cut short by a hamstring strain in August, but the talent remains obvious. The 28-year-old ranked in the 93rd percentile in outs above average and 90th in sprint speed, swiping 33 bases despite limited action. A change of scenery could help him recapture his 2023 All-Star form at the plate, when he hit 38 homers with an .857 OPS. The White Sox are unlikely to pick up his option unless they plan to trade him, and Philadelphia’s need for right-handed power and athleticism makes him an intriguing fit.
Projected contract: 5 years, $110 million
Lane Thomas, OF
2025: 39 G, .160/.246/.272, 4 HR, 11 RBI, .518 OPS, −0.6 WAR
After a breakout 2023 in Washington (28 HR, 32 SB), Thomas hasn’t replicated that success. Still, his underlying metrics — 94th percentile sprint speed and 88th percentile arm strength — make him a strong buy-low target as a fourth outfielder. A career .292/.359/.500 hitter against lefties, he’d complement Brandon Marsh in a corner-outfield platoon. At 30, Thomas could fill a depth role with the chance for more if he rebounds at the plate.
Projected contract: 1 year, $6 million
Zach Eflin, SP
2025: 14 GS, 6–5, 5.93 ERA, 71.1 IP, 50 K, 1.42 WHIP
Eflin’s 2025 was cut short by multiple injuries, ending with back surgery, but his prior two seasons (3.59 ERA, 1.09 WHIP over 59 starts) proved his dependability when healthy. The right-hander was tied for second in the American League in wins in that stretch (26). The Phillies know the 31-year-old well, and a reunion would make sense given Zack Wheeler’s uncertain timeline and Ranger Suárez’s free agency. Eflin’s command and five-pitch mix help him eat up innings, which could fit the backend of the Phils rotation, especially if Taijuan Walker is dealt.
Projected contract: 2 years, $32 million
Jordan Montgomery, SP
2025: Did not pitch (injured) | 2024: 21 GS, 8–7, 6.23 ERA, 117 IP, 83 K, 1.65 WHIP
Montgomery missed 2025 recovering from Tommy John surgery, but his 2021–23 stretch (30 or more starts each year, 3.48 ERA) shows what he can still offer. The 32-year-old’s postseason success — 2.63 ERA in 37.2 IP — fits Philadelphia’s mold of proven October performers. If Suárez departs, Montgomery represents a solid short-term lefty option who can slot into the middle of the rotation once healthy.
Projected contract: 2 years, $26 million
Tyler Rogers, RP
2025: 81 G, 4–6, 1.98 ERA, 77.1 IP, 48 K, 0.94 WHIP
Rogers led all relievers in appearances and posted the lowest ERA among pitchers with at least 70 innings. His unique submarine delivery induces soft contact better than anyone — ranking in the 99th percentile in average exit velocity and 100th in walk rate and barrel percentage. The 35-year-old remains effective and could be an extremely successful setup man to closer Jhoan Duran. Rogers’ style contrasts perfectly with Philadelphia’s power-heavy bullpen mix.
Projected contract: 2 years, $35 million
Derek Law, RP
2025: Did not pitch (injured) | 2024: 75 G, 7–4, 2.60 ERA, 90 IP, 76 K, 1.18 WHIP
Law missed all of 2025 with a partial flexor tear but is expected back midseason. In 2024, he ranked in the 96th percentile for chase and barrel rate thanks to his slider-cutter combo. A healthy Law could stabilize Philadelphia’s middle innings, where depth faltered in the postseason. Given his track record and versatility, he’s a low-risk veteran option who could return solid value in the sixth and seventh innings.
Projected contract: 2 years, $11 million
FA begins, important dates to know
Free agency began Sunday, but teams have five days of exclusive negotiation with their own players before outside offers are permitted on Nov. 6. All option and opt-out decisions must be finalized within that window, with qualifying-offer announcements to follow (Nov. 18). The GM Meetings in Las Vegas (Nov. 10–13) typically mark the first movement, while the Winter Meetings in Orlando (Dec. 7–10) remain the offseason’s busiest stretch. Arbitration figures are exchanged in early January, and the international signing period opens on Jan. 15.