The Phillies enter a pivotal offseason, aiming to diagnose what went wrong in 2024. Despite a strong roster, a historic start to the season, and ownership committed to spending, the club fell short of its World Series aspirations, leaving plenty to unpack.
President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski faces a potentially busy winter. Financial flexibility isn’t a concern, as owner John Middleton has once again demonstrated his commitment to keeping the Phillies competitive. His willingness to invest has kept the team relevant in a crowded market.
While the core roster will likely stay intact, changes are inevitable if the club hopes to bridge the gap between contender and championship team. Several areas need attention, and how the Phillies address them will shape their offseason strategy.
Outfielders Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas, for instance, were among the young players the organization hoped would step up as everyday contributors. Neither player solidified his role, with Marsh struggling against lefties and Rojas unable to showcase a progression at the plate. However, their development is just one aspect of the team’s broader evaluation as the Phillies decide whether to make internal adjustments or seek external solutions.
A more pressing concern involves Alec Bohm, whose postseason performance raised questions about his consistency. Manager Rob Thomson’s decision to bench him in Game 2 of the NLDS signaled the club’s dissatisfaction. Bohm’s frustration, compounded by a late-season hand injury, led to a decline in production. The confident, run-producing hitter that powered the team in the first half of the season seemed to fade. The Phillies now must determine whether Bohm can regain that form or if his role needs to be redefined.
“Obviously, I wasn’t the same guy when I came back,” Bohm admitted. “Is it the hand? I don’t know. I don’t feel like it is. I definitely didn’t get back to where I was before that, swinging the bat. But there’s no excuse for me. I don’t think that was really the reason why. I wish I knew. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have struggled the way I did.”
The club’s outfield depth is another issue under scrutiny. Austin Hays, acquired at the trade deadline, enters arbitration following an injury-plagued stint in Philadelphia. He looked rusty during the NLDS, and whether the Phillies believe he can rebound will influence their approach to the outfield market this winter.
The Phillies are also expected to be tied to every rumor involving Juan Soto, the biggest prize in free agency. Given Middleton’s aggressive approach, the team’s involvement seems inevitable. Soto’s connection with Phillies hitting coach Kevin Long will be a point of emphasis for his camp as they seek a historic contract. Even if the Phillies don’t land him, their interest could drive up the price for rivals.
The pitching staff is another focal point, especially with the possible departures of key free agent relievers such as Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estevez.
Dombrowski and Thomson are set to address these and other areas in a press conference on Tuesday, but the actions taken in the weeks that follow will speak louder than any statement.
Nick Castellanos summed up the 2024 season succinctly: “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. We started fantastic. We were the best team in baseball in the first half, and everybody was saying, ‘This is our year. This is our year.’ I don’t know if expectations put added pressure. I don’t know. I don’t know. I can’t speculate. But one thing I know is that we didn’t cross the finish line.”
As the Phillies analyze where things went awry, they must decide which pieces can help push them to the next level in 2025. The core is there; the challenge lies in finding the right mix.
