The Philadelphia Phillies have been on the edge of the World Series since adding Bryce Harper and consistently make the playoffs. But at the conclusion of this season, Dave Dombrowski, the president of the Phillies, had some concerns about his top player. When asked about Harper’s future, he somewhat discounted his 2025 season.

 

 

“Unlike in the past, he did not have an exceptional season. We’ll only know, I suppose, if he stays good or becomes elite [again]. Can he advance to the next level again? I don’t really know that answer,” Dombrowski told the media.

While Harper’s predicament is intriguing, the free agency market is heating up. One move that seems inevitable is a change involving Nick Castellanos, whether through a release or trade.

 

 

“It has been apparent for the past few months that Castellanos’ time with the organization would probably come to an end this winter. For the majority of his tenure in Philadelphia, he hasn’t lived up to expectations. He’s coming off a career-worst . 250/.294/.400 batting line and lost playing time in the second half,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Anthony Franco wrote.

On the free agency front, Justbaseball.com’s Ryan Finkelstein believes the Phillies might sign Japanese star Munetaka Murakami.

Murakami blasted 24 home runs in 2025 while playing in just 56 games, and he resembled the slugger who broke that mark in 2022. This is a three-way hitter who has the potential to lead MLB in strikeouts in 2026 and be close to the top of the home run rankings, according to Finkelstein. “If Kyle Schwarber does not re-sign with the Phillies, they are going to need a replacement and Murakami could fit the bill at DH.Additionally, they can use Murakami at third base, where he would offer significantly more upside with the bat than Alec Bohm but would be a mediocre defense at best. There is some pessimism floating about Murakami right now, due to a pair of low seasons in 2023 and 2024, and then an injury-plagued season in 2025.”

 

 

Murakami is anticipated to be a star wherever he goes, and he may be a fit for numerous teams. His power bat would suit the Phillies’ lineup well.

The Phillies’ window of opportunity to win a title is beginning to close. That window might remain open, at least temporarily, if Murakami is secured. The Phillies are renowned for their bold free agency moves, but it’s a wait-and-see situation.

Phillies Finally Get Great News on Potential Return of Kyle Schwarber

The Philadelphia Phillies have finally gotten positive news on the likely return of Kyle Schwarber.

Schwarber is one of the top free agents available, and many Phillies fans have clamoured for him to be brought back. However, other teams have been linked to him, and there hasn’t been much of an update on him.

 

 

However, ESPN MLB expert Jeff Passan provided a good update on Schwarber’s potential return to the Phillies on Sunday on Threads, stating that Philadelphia is the front-runner to do so.

“Kyle Schwarber: The bellwether of the class. Schwarber’s market is healthy,” Passan wrote on Threads. He may be the most likely of the major free agents to sign first at this time because he will receive years and AAV. Unclear whether something gets done before the meetings, but I’d be amazed if they end and he doesn’t have a team. Boston, Cincinnati, the Mets, and other teams are in the running, but the Phillies are still the favorite.

 

 

Schwarber has been an impact bat for the Phillies during his entire four-year contract with the team. So, Philadelphia is attempting to prolong him to keep their championship window alive.

Schwarber hit .240 with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs last season with the Phillies.

Phillies Reportedly Not Close to a Deal

The Phillies are allegedly the favorites to sign Schwarber, according to Passan, but the deal is not near.

According to MLB.com insider Todd Zolecki, a deal between Schwarber and Philadelphia is not imminent.

 

 

“The Phils have prioritized re-signing free agents Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto,” Zolecki noted. “The club and Schwarber are not close to a deal, according to sources. At this time of year, that is not surprising.

“Schwarber’s agents want to capitalize on his monstrous 2025 season in which he finished second for NL MVP behind Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. There’s no need to hurry. But the lack of development can be discouraging, while some wonder how long the Phils can wait.”

 

Additionally, Schwarber has been connected to the Cincinnati Reds, where he was born and raised the chance. But, for now, it looks the door to a return to Philadelphia is the most open.

 

Philadelphia Wants Schwarber to Return

Schwarber has been a crucial part of the Phillies roster for four years now, and the team is hopeful they can continue it.

Phillies’ President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski stated bringing back Schwarber is the primary goal for the franchise.

 

 

“I mean, we’d love to keep him as part of the organization for the long term, there’s no doubt,” Dombrowski said. “We’ll see where that takes us. He’s putting up massive numbers. Numerous other clubs will undoubtedly be interested in him as well. However, we hope that he will remain a part of the organization.

Schwarber is a three-time MLB All-Star. He’s also a two-time NL home run leader, and one-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and will be line for a lucrative, multi-year deal in free agency.