If there’s one thing you learn about Dave Dombrowski, it’s that he doesn’t waste time. In a move straight out of the “Let’s get things done” playbook, the Phillies’ president of baseball operations orchestrated a whirlwind of transactions in December that reshaped the roster and left the baseball world blinking in surprise.
Over the span of just a few days, the Phillies signed Max Kepler and Joe Ross to one-year deals and completed a trade with the Marlins to acquire lefty Jesús Luzardo and catching prospect Paul McIntosh. These moves transformed the offseason into a blur of headlines and handshakes, marking a clear shift in strategy.
Sure, the Phillies didn’t check every box on their offseason wish list. The lineup’s tendency to chase pitches out of the strike zone remains a concern, and the elusive “difference-making bat” didn’t materialize. But Dombrowski is nothing if not pragmatic. When the cost of acquiring a hitter proved prohibitive, he turned to pitching — an increasingly valuable commodity in an era where runs are at a premium.
Luzardo, a lefty with tantalizing upside, bolsters the rotation. Joe Ross adds depth and experience. And Max Kepler? He’s a low-risk, potentially high-reward bet to contribute offensively while providing steady defense in the outfield.
This flurry of activity comes with a price — literally. The Phillies’ payroll is projected to hit $306 million, well above the sport’s fourth luxury-tax threshold. Every dollar spent beyond $301 million is taxed at 110%. For a team already carrying hefty commitments to stars like Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Zack Wheeler, further spending would be like ordering dessert after a five-course meal. Tempting, but not without consequences.
Despite the financial implications, the roster for opening day is largely intact. The stars remain the foundation: Harper, Turner, Wheeler, Aaron Nola, J.T. Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber, and Nick Castellanos. They’re the ones tasked with steering the ship back to October, where anything less than a deep playoff run will feel like a letdown.
But what’s a Phillies season without a few intriguing subplots? Take Trea Turner, for instance. One of the most dynamic players in baseball, Turner still has room for growth. For him, that means cutting down on his chase rate and rediscovering his line-drive swing. After a second half in 2024 where his average and OPS plummeted, the Phillies are challenging their star shortstop to make adjustments. It’s a collaborative effort, with manager Rob Thomson and hitting coach Kevin Long set to visit Turner this offseason. The goal? Turn more of those ground balls into line drives and use the entire field. If Turner makes the leap, the Phillies’ lineup will be that much scarier.
Meanwhile, Alec Bohm’s name was tossed around in trade rumors this winter, but the third baseman appears poised to remain in red pinstripes. Bohm has grown into a reliable bat and a steady presence at the hot corner. His challenge in 2025 will be building on last year’s success and solidifying his role as a middle-of-the-order threat. For a team looking to maximize its offensive output, Bohm’s continued development is crucial.
And then there’s Andrew Painter. After missing two years with Tommy John surgery, the Phillies’ top prospect is healthy and ready to pitch again. But don’t expect to see him in the rotation come April. The Phillies are taking a cautious approach, planning to ease Painter into action with an eye toward a midseason debut. If all goes well, he could provide a significant boost down the stretch.
Another storyline revolves around the leadoff spot. Kyle Schwarber’s power-packed presence at the top of the lineup has been both a blessing and a puzzle. On one hand, he’s set a major-league record for leadoff homers. On the other, his low on-base percentage raises questions about whether someone like Bryson Stott might be better suited for the role. Thomson hasn’t tipped his hand, but this decision could have a ripple effect on the rest of the lineup.
The Phillies are never far from the action, and Dombrowski’s track record suggests he’s always ready to strike if the right opportunity comes along. With six weeks until spring training, the Phillies’ offseason might not be over. But even if it is, they’ve already made moves that could shape the 2025 season in meaningful ways.
Is it enough?
