We’re back with another Phillies Mailbag by Philly Sports Network! I teamed up with PSN’s own Tim Sullivan to answer your questions about the roster and free agency.
Question: Are we due to see a restructure to Harper’s contract due to Sotos?
Kylee: Bryce Harper signed his contract in 2019, and it became an instant underpay. Harper hasn’t given any indication that he’s pushing for a new contract, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see him talk to the Phillies following Juan Soto’s record-breaking deal.
Tim: With Harper being the best player on the Phillies squad and one of the best in the league the past few years, when he’s healthy, you would think that he would go to management and look to restructure. His agent, I’m sure, is looking to get another commission. But Harper, for the time being, will be just fine and seems more interested in winning. Now, with Scott Boras as his agent, I’m sure that there will be whispers, but Harper wants a World Series title, and I don’t think he’ll allow any interference regarding the contract.
Question: Why do you feel Kyle Tucker would make a perfect Phillies outfield?
*Update: Tucker was traded to the Cubs mere hours after this article was posted.
Kylee: He is everything the Phillies need without costing you errors in the outfield. His .289/.408/.585/.993 line with 23 homers in only 78 games (injured) this season would be great for the Phillies. He isn’t a defensive liability and is exactly what the Phillies need as a hitter. He is a picture-perfect fit.
Tim: Despite only playing in 78 games last season, after a shin fracture, Tucker still hit .289 with 23 HRs and 49 RBIs. The Phillies could only dream of that type of production from their pool of left-fielders now. At 27 years old, he’s just entering his prime and could give the Phillies .290 with 30/100 each season for the foreseeable future. The cost would be steep but worth it for a player like Tucker.
Question: After missing out on Garrett Crochet, which “big target” could the Phillies pivot to next via trade or signing?
Kylee: Kyle Tucker. Kyle Tucker. Kyle Tucker. Kyle Tucker. The Phillies have everything the Astros are asking for, including some.
*Update: ……See above
Tim: Jack Flaherty is someone I wouldn’t mind the team looking into but if you’re looking for a big move, go to the A’s and look for Mason Miller and Brent Rooker. They would solve two issues for the team and even though it would have to be a huge deal, the Phillies have the major league talent, as well as prospects to pull something crazy like this off. Start with Bohm and Suarez and then work in some more players. That’s my dream scenario.
Question: If Dombrowski doesn’t make a major move, what supplemental moves would you be happy with?
Kylee: Re-signing Jeff Hoffman AND Carlos Estévez would be the only moves I’d be okay with that aren’t a big splash. The outfield market isn’t great outside of Jurickson Profar, Kyle Tucker, and Teoscar Hernández. I don’t like “bandaid moves” that just patch something up until you can find a better player. The Phillies are in win-now mode and need to continue to act like it.
Tim: Not making a move would be a huge mistake on the GM’s part, as the team is stuck right now. Re-signing Estevez and Hoffman would do well for the bullpen, but the moves have to be internal for the rest of the way. Moving Schwarber out of the top spot and going with a more traditional lineup would work wonders for players like Turner, Stott, Bohm, and Castellanos if they have protection around them.
Question: Do you think Dombrowski has not been aggressive enough in improving the team since signing Trea Turner?
Kylee: The Phillies have tried to go after players since signing Trea Turner but have seemingly been unwilling to just send over prospects. They reportedly were willing to give up Aidan Miller for Garrett Crochet at the deadline but were unwilling to do so following the 2024 season. This is both a good and bad thing. Good, because they’re not doing what the Yankees did with Juan Soto. It’s bad because they’re risking not getting an MLB-level player for someone who may or may not even make the big leagues.
Tim: With the owners willing to take on salary, it would seem a no-brainer that Dombrowski would try to spend big money to get players. The farm system, while boasting four top-tier prospects, isn’t really loaded with high-end, long-term talent, so there’s not much he seems to be willing to part with to make a deal. Seeing the way some of the moves have panned out may have made him a little gun-shy when it comes to swinging for the fences with another big signing or huge trade. One move could change all that, and you never know what he’s going to do, so it’s worth watching.
