BREAKING: Phillies Face Potential Delays in Free-Agent Market Moves
The Philadelphia Phillies are carefully evaluating their options this offseason. With a clear goal to improve the major league roster, running it back in 2025 like they did in 2024 doesn’t seem likely. Free agency and trades are both on the table as the team looks to strengthen its squad.
President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is balancing the immediate goal of assembling a World Series-contending roster for 2025 while keeping an eye on maintaining the team’s competitiveness beyond that, in 2026 and further.
One approach the Phillies are considering is making trades involving major-league players rather than moving top prospects. Alec Bohm and Ranger Suárez are two players reportedly available for the right return. Bohm, who had an All-Star season in 2024, has shown some inconsistency in his splits but is regarded as a solid, if not elite, player. Suárez, also coming off an All-Star year, had a strong start to the season but faded toward the end, entering his age-29 season and heading for free agency next winter.
The Phillies may trade Bohm or Suárez at any point, but with several top free agents still available, they may need to wait for the market to develop. If they don’t lower their asking prices, it could take time to find a deal that meets their expectations.
Reports indicate that the Phillies have discussed Bohm with the Seattle Mariners, but their asking price—either Logan Gilbert or George Kirby—has been considered too steep by the Mariners so far. The Phillies are seeking proven, major-league talent in return for either player to align with their championship aspirations.
The free-agent market is rich in both hitters and starting pitchers, but teams interested in Bohm or Suárez may be hesitant to engage while top-tier free agents are still available. As the winter progresses and free agents sign, the market for Bohm and Suárez could expand, giving the Phillies more leverage in negotiations.
For instance, if the Houston Astros fail to re-sign Alex Bregman, Bohm might become an attractive option. Similarly, if the Mariners can’t address their third-base need through free agency, they could rekindle trade talks for Bohm. Teams missing out on top free-agent pitchers may turn to the trade market and show renewed interest in Suárez.
It’s still unclear whether the Phillies will trade Bohm, Suárez, or neither this offseason, but the team is carefully considering its options. The asking prices for both players may force the Phillies to wait for the right deal, but they must tread carefully. Waiting too long could leave them with fewer external options to replace them. It’s a delicate balancing act as the offseason unfolds.