DALLAS — The Juan Soto sweepstakes came to a thunderous conclusion Sunday night as the Mets kicked off the Winter Meetings by signing the superstar outfielder to a record-shattering 15-year, $765 million contract, according to sources. Soto’s arrival in New York not only strengthens an already formidable Mets roster but also reshapes the landscape of the NL East — again.
As for the Phillies? They were never a serious player for Soto, multiple sources confirmed. The club never met with the slugger’s representatives. But now, Soto is back in the division, anchoring a Mets team that ousted the Phillies in last season’s NLDS. If the Braves can retool and stay healthy, it’s plausible the Phillies could find themselves viewed as the third-best team in the NL East entering 2025.
And that’s why this offseason looms so large. The Phillies’ window of opportunity to contend won’t support a slip below the 90-win mark, not in a division as competitive as this.
So where do the Phillies go from here?
Sources indicate they’ve been active in trade talks, with Alec Bohm and Ranger Suárez prominently dangled in discussions for big-league talent. Rival executives, however, believe the Phillies are overvaluing the duo, which has slowed progress on potential deals.
One name the Phillies have long been linked to is White Sox starter Garrett Crochet. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Phillies recently offered a package centered around Bohm and outfield prospect Justin Crawford, but the White Sox balked at the proposal. Whether the Phillies revisit those discussions or pivot to other targets remains to be seen.
Nick Castellanos is also reportedly available, though his remaining $40 million contract complicates matters. Any trade involving the veteran outfielder would likely require the Phillies to absorb a significant portion of the deal.
Meanwhile, the bullpen is another area of focus. The Phillies are actively searching for relief help, knowing Jeff Hoffman — a key contributor last season — is unlikely to return. Hoffman is expected to land a significant deal in free agency, pricing him out of the Phillies’ plans.
The Phillies could look at free agents Ryan Helsley or Devin Williams as potential options to close or could go the international route and look at 22-year-old Roki Sasaki who is expected to be posted this week.
The Soto signing sets the tone for the Winter Meetings. The Mets have made their move. Now, it’s the Phillies’ turn. With limited time to bolster their roster and a division that’s only getting tougher, their response this week will go a long way in shaping their 2025 campaign.
One name the Phillies have long been linked to is White Sox starter Garrett Crochet. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Phillies recently offered a package centered around Bohm and outfield prospect Justin Crawford, but the White Sox balked at the proposal. Whether the Phillies revisit those discussions or pivot to other targets remains to be seen.
Nick Castellanos is also reportedly available, though his remaining $40 million contract complicates matters. Any trade involving the veteran outfielder would likely require the Phillies to absorb a significant portion of the deal.
Meanwhile, the bullpen is another area of focus. The Phillies are actively searching for relief help, knowing Jeff Hoffman — a key contributor last season — is unlikely to return. Hoffman is expected to land a significant deal in free agency, pricing him out of the Phillies’ plans.
The Phillies could look at free agents Ryan Helsley or Devin Williams as potential options to close or could go the international route and look at 22-year-old Roki Sasaki who is expected to be posted this week.
The Soto signing sets the tone for the Winter Meetings. The Mets have made their move. Now, it’s the Phillies’ turn. With limited time to bolster their roster and a division that’s only getting tougher, their response this week will go a long way in shaping their 2025 campaign.
