Philadelphia Baseball Review - Phillies News, Rumors and Analysis
Trea Turner
The Phillies' 2024 season was a whirlwind. They won 95 games, clinched their first NL East title since 2011, and seemed poised for a deep October run. But after a crushing NLDS loss to the Mets, the club is left with familiar questions: What needs to change to turn this promising roster into a champion?

Dave Dombrowski, the Phillies’ president of baseball operations, addressed the media for over 45 minutes Tuesday morning at Citizens Bank Park. He spoke candidly about the team’s successes and shortcomings, his philosophy on roster construction, and what lies ahead this offseason.

“To me, the answer is not the missing piece,” Dombrowski said. “The answer is playing well at the right time. I don’t think there’s any secret formula. I take my responsibilities. I’m sure Rob Thomson takes his responsibilities. But sometimes you play well and sometimes you don’t.”

It’s a stark but honest assessment. Dombrowski knows the Phillies are built to win now—he believes this core can still deliver the franchise’s first World Series championship since 2008. But he also recognizes that even the most talented teams need to make adjustments. “You want to get better. You’re never happy unless you win the whole thing,” he emphasized. “I think we have a real good core of players, but we’ll be open-minded to making our club better.”

Despite having one of the most star-studded lineups in baseball—with Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and J.T. Realmuto—the Phillies’ offense was inconsistent when it mattered most. They struggled against quality pitching, and their chase rate became a concern down the stretch.

Dombrowski didn’t shy away from acknowledging these issues. “We have a good lineup, but it’s something we’re cognizant of,” he noted. “It’s something we’ll continue to try to address.” The front office will focus on acquiring versatile pieces to support the core, rather than pursuing another marquee name. “Sometimes it's not only the star players, it's also sometimes the supporting cast.”

Free agency rumors are already swirling. While fans might dream of Juan Soto in red pinstripes, Dombrowski was measured in his response. “I don’t think we need to have more star players. We have as many stars as about anybody in baseball. I think the answer lies in depth and balance.”

The Phillies’ pitching staff, particularly the back end of the rotation, was another Achilles' heel. The team went 51-51 after June 8, a stark contrast to their 45-19 start. “I’ll take the responsibility,” Dombrowski said, acknowledging the struggles they faced with the No. 5 starter spot. Injuries to Ranger Suárez and inconsistent performances from Taijuan Walker only compounded the problem.

Looking ahead, the Phillies plan to bring in another starter or two to compete for a rotation spot in 2025. “Walker will come to Spring Training and compete, but he must earn it,” Dombrowski stressed. Promising prospect Andrew Painter is in the mix, but the front office is wary of leaning too heavily on young arms. Expect the Phillies to explore the market for mid-tier starters like Spencer Turnbull to provide much-needed depth.

While the infield looks set with Harper, Turner, Bryson Stott, Alec Bohm, and Realmuto, Dombrowski hinted at potential changes in the outfield. Nick Castellanos and Brandon Marsh are likely to be key contributors again, but the futures of Austin Hays and Johan Rojas are less certain.

Hays battled a series of injuries this year, including a kidney infection and hamstring issues. He could be non-tendered. Rojas, meanwhile, excelled defensively but struggled offensively, and he’ll spend the offseason working on his swing in Clearwater, Florida.

The Phillies’ No. 3 prospect, Justin Crawford, impressed in Double-A Reading but is unlikely to open the 2025 season with the team. Still, his progress provides optimism for the future. “He could push for a spot later in the year,” Dombrowski said.

Even with the uncertainties and frustrations, Dombrowski remains confident. He likened the Phillies’ current situation to his tenure in Boston, where the Red Sox suffered back-to-back ALDS exits before breaking through to win the 2018 World Series. “I do think it’s a club capable of winning a world championship,” he asserted.

The challenge now is navigating the offseason without exceeding the third luxury tax threshold, which comes with severe penalties. The Phillies will need to be creative and strategic, using trades and savvy free-agent signings to fine-tune the roster.

Dombrowski’s message was clear: this Phillies team isn’t about to undergo a full overhaul, but adjustments are necessary. “You’re open-minded to making changes because you want to get better,” he said. “The Phillies have a window to be a good club for years to come.”

As the offseason unfolds, the pressure is on. With a core of talented players and high expectations from fans, the Phillies must prove they have what it takes to finally cross the finish line.

2 Comments

Anonymous said…
It’s a team Philadelphia is proud of
Anonymous said…
I hope Bohm stays! He had his best season so far! I think his defense has markedly improved, and he was a competitive hitter. At one point he was our best hitter, but you can’t hit RBI’s if no one is on base, so I think he started trying to hit home runs instead of base hits. He was then injured which definitely affected his playing. He is overly emotional, but I’ll take that over the “oh well” attitude any day! Unfortunately, he got stuck in his own head. Please don’t give up on him yet! Always a fan of #28!
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Philadelphia Baseball Review - Phillies News, Rumors and Analysis