It was a quiet winter for the Phillies, who made modest acquisitions with just six players joining from outside the organization. However, none of these newcomers are currently favored to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster. Notably, left-hander Kolby Allard finalized a $1 million deal last month, expected to provide rotational depth behind established pitchers like Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez, Taijuan Walker, and Cristopher Sánchez. Additionally, the club brought in right-hander Spencer Turnbull to provide additional rotation depth. Assuming things go as planned this spring, Turnbull and Allard will begin the season at the triple-A.
Other additions to the 40-man roster include right-handers Max Castillo, Michael Mercado, and Michael Rucker, alongside infielder Diego Castillo.
The Spring Training schedule opens with a matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin on February 24, followed by a highly anticipated home opener against the New York Yankees at BayCare Ballpark on February 25.
A new addition to Spring Training this year is Major League Baseball's Spring Breakout, offering fans the chance to watch the Phillies' top prospects in action. On March 16, the Phillies' prospects will face off against the Detroit Tigers' prospects at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland.
As Opening Day approaches, speculation surrounds potential roster adjustments and player acquisitions. While reports suggest ongoing interest in short-term deals for players like Jordan Montgomery, recent comments from Dave Dombrowski, the Phillies' president of baseball operations, suggests the club isn't planning to make a significant move this spring.
Prospects Mick Abel, Griff McGarry, and Carlos De La Cruz have received invitations to the Major League camp, but none are expected to break camp with the club. That said, all three could be key additions later in the season.
For fans eager to follow the action, NBC Sports Philadelphia will televise 13 out of the Phillies' 15 Spring Training games in Clearwater. Additionally, MLB Network will likely broadcast several road contests during the spring.
The Phillies' final game in Florida is scheduled for 12:05 p.m. on March 25 against the Tampa Bay Rays at BayCare Ballpark, after which the team will head to Philadelphia in anticipation of the regular season.
Opening Day festivities will kick off as the Phillies host the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park at 3:05 p.m. on March 28, marking the official start of the regular season.
In tandem with their preparations on the diamond, the club is embarking on significant renovations and expansion plans for BayCare Ballpark, with a $320 million investment projected. This includes the addition of 2,000 seats, expanded concourses, and potential amenities like an outfield pool, aimed at enhancing the fan experience. Additionally, plans for a new $250-million Ballpark Village to the south of the ballpark are in the works, featuring residential and retail spaces.
