Philadelphia nearly made it back to the World Series in 2023. Unfortunately for the Phillies, their season ended just one game shy of the Fall Classic in the NLCS, after Philadelphia ousted the Braves again in the NLDS. So, what did Philadelphia do after the 2023 season? Here’s our Phillies offseason recap.
Related: 2023-24 MLB Offseason Recap: San Diego Padres
Notable Additions
The Phillies came into the offseason with not only a strong team but one with key pieces either locked up or under team control for 2024 and beyond. Thus, it’s not a shock to see few moves.
The Phillies did opt to fortify the back end of their rotation — something of a question mark over the past two seasons — with ex-Tiger Spencer Turnbull. Turnbull flashed very good stuff with Detroit. However, injury troubles derailed him over the past three seasons.
Additionally, the Phillies added 2023 AL All-Star Whit Merrifield. Merrifield had a solid 2023 campaign with Toronto, one he spent primarily at second base. However, the Phillies do have Bryson Stott at second base, meaning Merrifield should see time across the infield and outfield in 2024.
As of March 10, Merrifield saw time at second, third, and left field in Spring Training.
Now, a look at the subtractions part of the Phillies offseason recap.
Notable Subtractions
The Phillies didn’t sustain many losses on paper. However, a key piece from the Phillies’ run to the World Series in 2022 is gone.
First baseman Rhys Hoskins, who missed all of 2023, went to free agency and signed with the Brewers. The move wasn’t a shock, as the Phillies confirmed in November that Bryce Harper would be the team’s permanent first baseman moving forward.
What to Expect in 2024
Much of the heavy lifting this offseason done by the Phillies was to retain their big guns in the rotation. Aaron Nola was a free agent after 2023. However, the longtime Phillie re-signed with the team for the next seven years. And just a few weeks before Spring Training, Philadelphia re-signed Zack Wheeler, who could have hit the market after 2024, to a massive three-year extension.
Those moves ensured the Phillies’ core would be locked in through 2025 when J.T. Realmuto and Kyle Schwarber can hit the market.
Philadelphia’s window of contention is still wide open. While the Phillies didn’t have as active of an offseason as compared to division rival Atlanta, the team’s core has gone deep in the playoffs in each of the past two seasons. And with talent like Mick Abel and a rehabbing Andrew Painter waiting in the wings, Phillies fans should feel good about their team’s present and future.