The Philadelphia Phillies enter the 2025 offseason with a clear objective strengthen a talented but flawed roster that once again fell short of championship glory. After a tough playoff loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Phillies front office, led by president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, is expected to make aggressive moves to push the team over the top. With the club’s championship window still wide open, Philadelphia could target both offensive firepower and pitching depth this winter.
One name that continues to surface in connection with the Phillies is star third baseman Alex Bregman, who recently opted out of his contract and is poised to be one of the marquee free agents available. MLB Trade Rumors insider Anthony Franco predicted that Philadelphia would make a major splash by signing Bregman to a six-year, $160 million deal, a move that would immediately bolster the heart of the lineup and give the team another proven postseason performer.
“From all-around production to clubhouse impact, there’s a lot to like with Bregman,” Franco wrote. “Still, he turns 32 in March, and six-year free deals at that age for free agent position players are rare. The last one was Freddie Freeman in March 2022. The obvious number to top is Matt Chapman’s six-year, $151 million extension with the Giants. Chapman is also represented by Boras. Bregman might be happy getting $160 million or more whether it’s on a five- or six-year term.”
Franco also noted that if Bregman does not end up re-signing with the Boston Red Sox, several other clubs including the Angels, Blue Jays, Mariners, Mets, and Phillies could pursue him aggressively.
A Perfect Fit in Philadelphia
Bregman’s style of play and leadership would fit seamlessly in Philadelphia. Known for his competitive fire, disciplined plate approach, and clutch hitting, Bregman could take over the Phillies’ third base position and slot neatly into the top half of the lineup. If the Phillies also manage to retain Kyle Schwarber, the combination of Schwarber, Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, and Bregman would give Philadelphia one of the most dangerous offensive cores in all of baseball.
During the 2024 season, Bregman put up solid numbers, hitting .273 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs, while continuing to provide strong defense and leadership. Over his career, the 31-year-old has earned three All-Star selections, a Gold Glove, a Silver Slugger Award, and two World Series rings with the Houston Astros. His proven track record as both a run producer and a winner would be exactly what Philadelphia needs to stay competitive in an increasingly stacked National League.
Phillies Named a Top Suitor
Following Philadelphia’s playoff exit, the need for a roster shakeup became clear. While the team features one of baseball’s most potent lineups on paper, inconsistency and lack of depth plagued them down the stretch. That’s why many insiders believe that bringing in a player of Bregman’s caliber could reignite the team’s momentum.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com identified the Phillies as one of the top suitors for Bregman this offseason, citing both their offensive needs and the uncertainty surrounding their current roster.
“The Phillies feel like a team in need of change, and with Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, and Ranger Suárez among their free agents, change could certainly be in the cards,” Feinsand explained. “Third baseman Alec Bohm is one year away from free agency, and like the past offseason or two, his name figures to be popular on the trade market. If the Phillies don’t re-sign Schwarber, they could use that money to bring in Bregman, who would be an upgrade over Bohm at third base.”
Feinsand’s analysis makes sense. Alec Bohm, though productive at times, has struggled with defensive consistency and hasn’t developed the elite power many hoped for. Swapping Bohm for a veteran like Bregman would not only upgrade the team’s infield defense but also inject proven playoff experience and another reliable right-handed bat into a lineup that sometimes relies too heavily on Harper and Turner.
The Bregman Factor
Adding Bregman would give Philadelphia something it has lacked since the days of Scott Rolen a true two-way star at third base. While the Phillies’ current offense can produce fireworks, their lineup at times lacks balance and depth. Bregman’s ability to get on base, hit for power, and play excellent defense would address several of those shortcomings.
He’s also known for his leadership and competitive drive qualities that align with the fiery nature of the Phillies’ core. Harper, Schwarber, and Turner have each spoken about the importance of clubhouse chemistry, and Bregman’s championship pedigree could add another strong voice to that dynamic.
Defensively, Bregman remains one of the most reliable third basemen in the game, posting above-average defensive metrics for most of his career. His instincts, range, and arm strength make him a consistent presence at the hot corner, and his fielding could be a major asset behind Philadelphia’s pitching staff.
Philadelphia’s Payroll Outlook
While the Phillies already boast one of the highest payrolls in baseball, that hasn’t stopped ownership from continuing to invest in a championship roster. In 2024, Philadelphia’s payroll exceeded $293 million, ranking third in MLB. Yet, as Dombrowski pointed out, ownership remains fully committed to winning — even if it means spending more.
“(Owner) John Middleton is very supportive of that,” Dombrowski said recently. “We have a good club with a lot of good players, but you don’t have unlimited (money) … I don’t think we’re going to have a $400 million payroll. I just don’t think that that’s a practicality. But we will be open-minded to get better and make a move.”
This statement reinforces the idea that the Phillies are willing to remain aggressive. While they won’t spend recklessly, they will make strategic, high-impact additions and Bregman fits that mold perfectly.
Balancing Star Power and Depth
Philadelphia’s offseason approach will likely revolve around two key areas: re-signing internal stars and adding external upgrades. Players like Schwarber and Realmuto are free agents, and re-signing them will be a priority. However, if Schwarber departs, that could free up significant funds to pursue Bregman or another marquee player.
Beyond the infield, Philadelphia could also look to add bullpen depth and another starting pitcher, given the uncertainties surrounding Ranger Suárez’s free agency and the volatility of their middle relief unit. A deeper pitching staff would complement the lineup upgrades and balance out a roster that has sometimes leaned too heavily on offense.
Bregman’s Market and Competition
If the Phillies want to land Bregman, they’ll face stiff competition. Multiple big-market clubs are expected to be in the mix, including the Red Sox, who may try to retain him after his strong season; the Mets, who continue to seek star power under owner Steve Cohen; and the Blue Jays and Mariners, who both have financial flexibility and a need for a third baseman.
Still, Philadelphia holds a few advantages. They are a win-now team with established stars and a proven track record of playoff appearances. They also offer Bregman the chance to play in a passionate baseball city with one of the most electric atmospheres in MLB. For a player who thrives in big moments, Philadelphia could be an ideal fit.
A Move That Signals Commitment
Signing Bregman would be more than just an upgrade it would be a statement of intent. The Phillies haven’t won a World Series since 2008, despite reaching the postseason multiple times in recent years. Each run has ended in disappointment, and fans are eager for the front office to push the team over the edge.
With stars like Harper, Turner, and Zack Wheeler in their prime, the window to win is now. Bregman’s signing would symbolize the Phillies’ determination to capitalize on that window while giving the team another cornerstone player capable of delivering in October.
The Bottom Line
The Phillies’ offseason will likely be defined by bold decisions and calculated risks. Whether it’s re-signing Schwarber, addressing their pitching depth, or pursuing one of the top free agents in baseball, the organization is clearly determined to remain a powerhouse in the National League.
Adding Alex Bregman to the mix would represent a perfect balance of experience, production, and leadership. His proven ability to perform under pressure, combined with his defensive reliability and offensive consistency, make him the type of player who could push Philadelphia from a playoff team to a legitimate World Series favorite.
In a market where stars are commanding record-breaking deals, $160 million over six years might seem steep for a 32-year-old player but for a team built to win now, it could be the final piece of the puzzle.
If Dombrowski and Middleton make such a move, the message will be clear: the Phillies are all in on bringing another championship to Philadelphia. And with a lineup featuring Bregman, Harper, Turner, and potentially Schwarber, the City of Brotherly Love could soon be celebrating another deep postseason run and perhaps its first World Series title in nearly two decades.
