The Philadelphia Phillies have spent the better part of the last several years living in baseball’s most frustrating space: close enough to envision a championship, yet unable to grasp one. Ever since Bryce Harper arrived and became the face of the franchise, the team has consistently positioned itself as a World Series contender. They’ve made the postseason repeatedly, put together strong regular-season stretches, and delivered memorable October moments. Still, that final step a return to the World Series and the capturing of a championship has stayed just out of reach.
But as this season wrapped up, something unexpected surfaced within the organization. Instead of projecting supreme confidence in the club’s foundational star, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski delivered comments that hinted at underlying uncertainty. Dombrowski is typically a direct, decisive executive, known for all-in moves and aggressive team-building. Yet when asked about Harper’s outlook for the 2025 season, he didn’t offer the typical reassurance fans have come to expect. Instead, he provided a surprisingly cautious, almost hesitant assessment of the franchise player’s future performance.
“He didn’t have an elite season like he has in the past,” Dombrowski told reporters. “I guess we only find out if he becomes elite [again] or if he continues to be good… Can he rise to the next level again? I don’t really know that answer.”
Those words landed with more weight than a standard post-season evaluation. Harper has long been viewed as the cornerstone of the team’s identity both on the field and as a cultural presence. A lack of full-throated confidence from the team’s top executive understandably raised eyebrows. While Harper still played at a high level, the suggestion that the Phillies might not know what version of him they’ll get moving forward added a layer of intrigue to an offseason already expected to be full of difficult decisions.
Harper’s situation is noteworthy enough on its own, but it’s not the only storyline shaping the Phillies’ immediate future. The team’s approach to roster construction appears poised for meaningful shifts, starting with one of the lineup’s most notable veterans. Nick Castellanos, once viewed as a major offensive addition, now appears to be on his way out. His departure whether via trade or outright release—has been speculated about for months, but it has become increasingly likely as the offseason begins in earnest.
Anthony Franco of MLB Trade Rumors summarized the situation bluntly. “It has been apparent for the past few months that Castellanos’ time with the organization would probably come to an end this winter,” he wrote. “He hasn’t performed up to expectations for most of his time in Philly. He’s coming off a career-worst .250/.294/.400 batting line and lost playing time in the second half.”
For a team built around power, plate discipline, and run production, Castellanos’ struggles have become difficult to overlook. While he has had stretches of strong hitting during his tenure, the overall inconsistency combined with defensive limitations and a contract that no longer reflects his level of output makes him one of the offseason’s most likely departures. The Phillies have never shied away from making bold moves, and parting ways with Castellanos would fit that pattern of decisive retooling.
But while one major name appears to be on the way out, another could soon be on the way in, and this one might reshape the Phillies’ identity for years to come. On the free-agent market, one of the most intriguing players is Japanese star Munetaka Murakami, a slugging third baseman/designated hitter who has already made history overseas. And according to Ryan Finkelstein of JustBaseball.com, the Phillies are very much a possible landing spot.
Despite being limited to just 56 games in 2025 due to injuries, Murakami still managed to hit 24 home runs, showcasing the raw power that made him a sensation in Japan. Finkelstein described him as “a three true outcomes hitter” capable of leading Major League Baseball in strikeouts but also potentially becoming one of the top home-run hitters in the league. He added that if Kyle Schwarber does not re-sign with Philadelphia, Murakami could slot in perfectly as a designated hitter. Alternatively, he could play third base albeit as a defensively shaky option while providing significantly more offensive upside than Alec Bohm.
Murakami’s arrival in MLB has been anticipated for years, particularly after his record-breaking 2022 season, when he became the youngest player in Nippon Professional Baseball history to hit 50 home runs. But his past few seasons have brought questions. Down years in 2023 and 2024, followed by injury issues in 2025, have introduced an element of skepticism into evaluations. Some around the league wonder whether he will immediately become a superstar, while others see his power output and underlying metrics as evidence that he will adjust quickly to MLB pitching.
Even with the uncertainty, Murakami is projected to be a marquee signing in free agency. His combination of age, upside, and elite raw power makes him attractive to several teams looking to add impact bats. The Phillies, with their history of making splashy moves and their need to maintain offensive depth around Harper and Trea Turner, appear to be an ideal match. His ability to hit for massive power would help cover for the potential loss of Schwarber, while his youth could help extend the team’s competitive window.
And that window is something the Phillies must consider carefully. Over the past several seasons, the team has relied heavily on a veteran core. Many of their stars including Harper, Schwarber, Turner, and J.T. Realmuto are established players who are either in their prime or just past it. The roster is still formidable, but baseball windows are notoriously fragile. Injuries, age curves, and performance fluctuations can alter a team’s trajectory quickly.
The Phillies have been among the most aggressive organizations in the sport when it comes to capitalizing on their competitive opportunities. They have handed out large contracts, invested heavily in pitching, and maintained a willingness to pursue blockbuster free agents. But they haven’t yet delivered a championship during this era of big spending and high expectations. With each passing year, the pressure mounts both internally and among fans to convert playoff talent into a World Series trophy.
Signing someone like Murakami would represent an attempt to reinforce the team’s offensive identity while also preparing for the future. He isn’t merely a stopgap or role player—he is a potential franchise-altering bat. And in many ways, pairing him with Harper could lessen the burden on a player Dombrowski has openly wondered about returning to “elite” form. The Phillies don’t want Harper to carry the entire offensive load, and Murakami’s presence would provide an additional anchor in the lineup.
Still, as with all major free agency storylines, this is a situation that will develop over time. The Phillies may face competition from teams on the West Coast, clubs with DH openings, and franchises looking to rebuild with a young power bat. Yet Philadelphia’s reputation matters. Players know the city, the fan base, and the front office’s willingness to support a contender. For international stars, cultural support systems and organizational stability often play a role and the Phillies have both.
As the offseason progresses, more clarity will emerge regarding the futures of Harper, Castellanos, Schwarber, and potential additions like Murakami. But one thing is becoming unmistakably clear: the Phillies’ championship window, once wide open and bursting with optimism, is beginning to narrow. They remain a playoff-caliber team, but maintaining that status and converting it into a title will require reinforcements and bold decisions.
Dave Dombrowski has never shied away from such decisions. Whether it involves parting ways with a struggling veteran, recalibrating expectations for a franchise player, or pursuing one of the most intriguing hitters to emerge from Japan in years, the Phillies are preparing for an offseason that could redefine their trajectory.
Murakami might be the swing that keeps the window open. Or he might be part of a larger transition. For now, the Phillies and their fan base wait. In Philadelphia, patience is rarely the default setting, but hope has never been in short supply. And with a front office known for its aggressive approach to roster building, the next major move could come at any moment.
