The Philadelphia Phillies have begun to clarify their vision for the remainder of the offseason following the announcement of a notable roster addition, one that carries both name recognition and postseason pedigree. The club recently confirmed the signing of two-time All-Star outfielder Adolis García to a one-year, $10 million contract, a move that not only bolsters the roster but also signals that the organization believes many of its major pieces are already in place for the upcoming season.
Speaking with reporters during García’s introductory media availability, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski offered insight into how the front office views the current state of the roster—particularly the outfield. According to Dombrowski, the team feels comfortable and confident with its depth and structure heading into spring training.
“We’re basically pretty well set out there,” Dombrowski said, via MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki. “We feel very good.”
Those comments reflect a broader organizational belief that the outfield, long an area of scrutiny in Philadelphia, has now stabilized. With García added to the mix, the Phillies appear content with how their defensive alignment and offensive balance are shaping up, allowing them to shift attention toward other priorities before Opening Day.
Outfield Picture Coming Into Focus
García’s arrival is a key piece of the puzzle, but he is far from the only factor influencing the Phillies’ outfield plans. Internally, the organization expects top prospect Justin Crawford to take the next step and earn a spot at the major league level. Crawford, one of the most highly regarded young players in the system, has impressed with his athleticism, defensive range, and developing offensive profile. The Phillies believe he is close to being ready for everyday responsibilities in the big leagues, and his promotion would mark a significant milestone in the club’s player development pipeline.
Alongside Crawford, Brandon Marsh is expected to remain part of the equation, though likely in a platoon role. Marsh has shown flashes of productivity, particularly against right-handed pitching, and the Phillies appear comfortable pairing him with a complementary option to maximize matchups throughout the season.
With García, Crawford, and Marsh factoring into the outfield mix, the Phillies feel they have assembled a unit that blends experience, youth, defense, and power. García, in particular, brings a combination of postseason experience and intensity that the front office values highly.
García Brings More Than Just Production
Beyond his on-field statistics, García arrives in Philadelphia with a reputation as a fierce competitor and a proven performer on baseball’s biggest stage. A two-time All-Star and a key contributor to the Texas Rangers’ 2023 World Series championship run, García has demonstrated an ability to deliver in high-pressure moments—something the Phillies have emphasized as they continue chasing a championship of their own.
The one-year nature of García’s deal also offers flexibility. It allows the Phillies to benefit from his presence without committing long-term resources, a strategy that aligns with Dombrowski’s measured approach to roster construction. If García thrives, the move looks like a bargain. If younger players seize larger roles, the club retains options moving forward.
Shift in Focus: J.T. Realmuto’s Future
With the outfield seemingly settled, attention now turns to one of the most important remaining questions of the Phillies’ offseason: the future of catcher J.T. Realmuto.
Realmuto has been a cornerstone of the franchise for years, providing elite defense, athleticism behind the plate, and consistent offensive production. Retaining him remains a top priority for the organization, and Dombrowski’s comments suggest that negotiations could become the central focus of the front office’s efforts in the coming weeks.
Securing Realmuto would solidify one of the most demanding positions on the field and maintain continuity for a pitching staff that has relied heavily on his leadership and game-calling abilities. While nothing has been finalized, the Phillies appear committed to exploring all avenues to keep their star catcher in Philadelphia.
Smaller Moves, Strategic Depth
While the Phillies’ major roster components may be nearing completion, the front office continues to make smaller, strategic additions designed to enhance depth and provide insurance throughout the long season. One such move came quietly with the signing of right-handed pitcher Jonathan Hernández to a minor league contract for the 2026 season.
Phillies analyst Steve Potter was among the first to report the news, highlighting Hernández’s raw stuff and competitive makeup.
“RHP Jonathan Hernández has signed a minor league contract with the Phillies for the 2026 season,” Potter noted. “His arsenal includes a lively sinking fastball (sits 93–97 mph — has reached 99–100 mph) with a hard slider and changeup. He’s known as a fiery competitor.”
The signing was later confirmed by media outlet Phillies Tailgate on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Though Hernández is unlikely to factor into the Opening Day roster, his addition reflects the Phillies’ ongoing effort to stockpile pitching depth—particularly arms with upside and major league experience.
A Championship Background With Mixed Results
Hernández, now 29, brings with him a résumé that includes both postseason success and recent struggles. He was part of the Texas Rangers’ 2023 World Series championship team, contributing out of the bullpen during a season in which he logged 43 1/3 innings and posted a 5.40 ERA. While those numbers were far from dominant, his presence on a title-winning roster speaks to his ability to operate in high-leverage environments.
In 2024, Hernández returned to the Rangers and again served primarily in a relief role, finishing the year with a 5.05 ERA across 41 innings. Despite flashes of effectiveness, inconsistency ultimately led to him being designated for assignment. He was subsequently claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners, though his time with the organization was brief. Hernández made just three appearances at the major league level before being sent down to Triple-A to finish the season.
Injury Setback and a Lost Season
The following season proved even more challenging. Hernández signed a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, an organization known for maximizing pitching talent. While he showed promise early—posting a 2.25 ERA in 12 innings with Tampa Bay’s Triple-A affiliate—his momentum was derailed by a shoulder injury that sidelined him for much of the year.
The injury marked a disappointing downturn for a pitcher who had enjoyed regular big-league opportunities over the previous three seasons. Shoulder issues, in particular, can be difficult for pitchers to overcome, often requiring careful rehabilitation and time to regain velocity and command.
A Fresh Start in Philadelphia
Now with the Phillies, Hernández will be looking at the situation as a fresh start. The organization has shown a willingness to take chances on experienced arms with raw tools, especially when the financial commitment is minimal. Hernández’s ability to touch triple digits with his fastball, paired with a sharp slider, gives him a profile that could play well out of the bullpen if he can stay healthy and regain consistency.
That said, expectations remain modest. Hernández is projected to begin the season in the minor leagues, where he will need to prove that his shoulder is fully healthy and that his stuff has returned to peak form. Only then would he be considered for a call-up to the major league roster.
Calculated Patience Moving Forward
Taken together, the Phillies’ recent moves paint a picture of an organization operating with confidence and restraint. The signing of Adolis García represents a clear upgrade and a statement of intent, while smaller additions like Jonathan Hernández illustrate a commitment to depth without unnecessary risk.
With the outfield largely settled and attention turning toward retaining J.T. Realmuto, the Phillies appear content to let the rest of the offseason unfold without drastic changes. Any additional moves are likely to be complementary rather than transformative—fine-tuning a roster that the front office believes is already built to contend.
As spring training approaches, the Phillies’ strategy reflects a blend of urgency and patience: urgency to capitalize on a championship window, and patience to avoid overcorrection. Whether that balance ultimately pays off will be determined on the field, but for now, the organization has made its expectations clear—and believes it is well positioned for the season ahead.
