The off-season has been uneventful so far for the Philadelphia Phillies, which is to be expected when there isn’t anything enticing players to sign before winter meetings.
Alec Kostival (@KostivalonBase) and I answer your questions regarding potential Phillies moves in the first-ever Phillies mailbag by Philly Sports Network.
@SeanFit39460354: If the Phillies DO trade Bohm and CAN’T land Bregman, what are the remaining options?
Kylee: Alex Bregman is certainly the best replacement for Alec Bohm but if they can’t land him, they may have to get creative. A Nolan Arenado trade is an option although I suggest NOT doing that. They can get creative by moving Bryson Stott or Trea Turner to third and signing Ha-Seong Kim or Willy Adames.
Alec: See what it would take to get Yandy Diaz to the Phillies in a trade. Other than that, fill the gap until Miller is ready. Brandon Drury had a terrible 2024 but his 2021-2023 were really solid. If he fails, Edmundo Sosa gets a larger roll.
@colin_herbs13: If Jeff Hoffman does walk, how would you restore the back end of the bullpen?
Kylee: Tanner Scott. The Phillies were in on him at the deadline and I’d be crazy to think they weren’t in on him in free agency. He is a great pitcher, and while nobody can replace Jeff Hoffman, he’s a good “consolation prize” for the Phillies.
Alec: There are two top-tier closers rumored to be available in Devin Williams and Ryan Helsley. Tanner Scott is a free agent. Make the end of “closer by committee” the big change on the Phillies. The Phillies have also found a lot of success in low-key bullpen signings for further depth.
@TimSullivanPSN: Why do most people believe Alex Bregman would be better for the Phillies than Alec Bohm?
Kylee: This topic causes nonstop arguing. Whether people like to admit it or not, Alec Bohm is the best option in 2024. Alex Bregman will cost over $20 million whereas Bohm is still in arbitration. Outside of money, and while both of their 2024 seasons could be seen as outliers, I believe Bohm staying will age better than Bregman signing a big contract.
Alec: Alex Bregman has always been a sexy option from the outside. Going back to LSU, he’s been a name that people recognized. He’s already won 1 1/2 World Series (we’re not fully recognizing 2017). In reality, he’s been an ALDS MVP and has routinely disappeared in the CS and WS.
@DrunkOnThePhils: What are your moves for the Phillies that make sense, but will upset the fans?
Kylee: Moving Ranger Suárez. It isn’t my favorite move or a move I’d like to see made, but it seems as if the Phillies aren’t going to go all-in on retaining him, and the market is at an all-time high for pitching. It will suck to see a fan favorite go, but the Phillies seem more than willing to do it, so yank the bandaid off and capitalize on the market. You can use those pieces to sweeten a deal for a better pitcher.
Alec: It might upset some but the Phillies shouldn’t go star hunting this offseason. No Bregman. No bigger outfield name. Tyler O’Neil or Jurickson Profar will be fine for what the Phillies need.
What’s your dream offseason scenario?
Kylee: Now if we’re truly talking about a dream offseason scenario, realism gets thrown out of the window. With that cleared up, there are a few things I’d like to see the Phillies do. Signing Juan Soto, Jeff Hoffman, Carlos Estévez, Rōki Sasaki, and Jurickson Profar. If we’re talking about a realistic dream, I’d like to see them re-sign one of Jeff Hoffman or Carlos Estévez, then get an outfield bat, preferably Jurickson Profar or Anthony Santander.
Alec: My dream offseason would revolve around Bohm/Ranger trades that lockdown the future’s other positions while balancing a solid roster for 2025. Then, go get Kyle Tucker in 2026.
