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  • Ranking the Phillies’ top 10 prospects: Key question, 2026 outlook for each

    Ranking the Phillies’ top 10 prospects: Key question, 2026 outlook for each

    Across baseball, 211 rookies made 250 plate appearances or pitched at least 65 innings in a season since 2023.

    None were Phillies.

    The only Phillies rookies who even came close to those thresholds were Orion Kerkering in 2024 and Otto Kemp last season. Kerkering was a 1.6 WAR player as a middle reliever; Kemp was slightly below replacement level as a utility man, based on Baseball-Reference’s WAR calculation, while playing through injuries.

    And that, plus a two-month flash of promise from Johan Rojas in 2023, represented the farm system’s last three graduating classes.

    The Phillies are sticking with a veteran core in 2026. But this time the kids have to play, too.

    This year should be different — two rookies are in line to win jobs out of camp. Justin Crawford is the presumptive opening-day center fielder, and Andrew Painter could be in the season-opening rotation.

    And indications are that 21-year-old infielder Aidan Miller might not be far behind.

    “You never know,” farm director Luke Murton said recently. “He’ll be a big-league spring training invite. You bring him in and see what we’ve got. We’ll see where the roster ends up throughout the year. But from a talent standpoint, from a readiness standpoint, the ones that are really good, they always are ready a little sooner than you think they are.”

    It’ll be important for the Phillies to infuse the major-league roster with youth but also to develop more talent in the lower levels of the system, where trades of teen prospects Eduardo Tait (for Jhoan Duran), Starlyn Caba (for Jesús Luzardo), and William Bergolla (for Tanner Banks) thinned the A-ball ranks over the last 18 months.

    With pitchers and catchers due to report for spring training two days after the Super Bowl, ‘tis the season for prospect rankings. Baseball America recently put Miller (No. 14), Painter (No. 32), and Crawford (No. 75) among its top-100 prospects. ESPN ranked the Phillies as the 17th-best farm system in baseball.

    So, let’s present The Inquirer’s preseason ranking of the Phillies’ top 10 prospects, an annual exercise carried out with input from opposing scouts.

    Aidan Miller has emerged as the Phillies’ top prospect since getting drafted in the first round in 2023.

    1. Aidan Miller, SS

    Age: 22 (on June 9) | Height/weight: 6-2 / 210 | Bats/throws: Right

    2025 stats: .259/.382/.427, 13 homers, 52 steals, 14.9% walk rate, 23.7% strikeout rate at double-A Reading (489 plate appearances); .333/.514/.519, 1 HR, 7 SB, 24.3% BB rate, 18.9% K rate at triple-A Lehigh Valley (37 PA).

    Outlook: Two years after a broken bone near his left wrist caused him to fall into the Phillies’ lap with the 27th overall pick in the draft, Miller keeps getting better. Not only did he thrive at shortstop when many evaluators believed he would have to move to third base, but he sharpened his contact rate to go with extra-base power from the right side. Then, last season, he surprised even Murton by swiping 59 bases to lead the organization. One NL scout said Miller has “All-Star upside.” All that remains is …

    Key question: How quickly can he learn third base?

    As a shortstop, Miller’s path to the Phillies is clogged by Trea Turner, who had a defensive renaissance last season. Murton said the Phillies will expose Miller to third base in spring training. But it’ll be interesting to see how much third base he actually plays, and how fast the Phillies push him if he starts hot in triple A and/or Alec Bohm falters again in April. Dave Dombrowski called up Andrew Benintendi and Rafael Devers to help contending Red Sox teams in 2016 and 2017. It’s easy to see him doing the same with Miller.

    Andrew Painter struggled at times in triple-A last season after missing the previous two years with an elbow injury that required surgery.

    2. Andrew Painter, SP

    Age: 23 (on April 10) | Height/weight: 6-7 / 215 | Throws: Right

    2025 stats: 3.97 ERA, 0.971 WHIP, 2.2% walk rate, 26.7% strikeout rate at low-A Clearwater (11⅓ innings); 5.65 ERA, 1.547 WHIP, 9.7% BB rate, 23.4% K rate at Lehigh Valley (106⅔ IP).

    Outlook: OK, so Painter’s grand return after missing two years with a torn elbow ligament that required Tommy John surgery was rougher than even the Phillies expected. Rather than being ready for his major-league debut by “July-ish,” as Dombrowski famously predicted, Painter struggled in triple A. But he did stay healthy, making 26 starts and working 118 innings. And, well, “You hear a lot of statistics of what guys do their first year out of Tommy John,” Murton said, “and how much better the second year goes.”

    Phillies top prospect Andrew Painter stayed healthy, but ‘didn’t do everything I wanted to this year’ in triple A

    Key question: How much better will Painter actually be?

    More specifically, will Painter’s fastball command return to preinjury levels? Many rival evaluators “cut him some slack,” as one NL scout said, in reaching triple A for the first time after the two-year absence. “I think it was just injury- and rust-related,” said the scout, who still projects Painter as a No. 2 starter in the majors while “maintaining an appropriate level of concern for the command.” Maybe it’ll help if the Phillies throw Painter into the big-league fire right away. And if Zack Wheeler isn’t ready for opening day, they probably will.

    Justin Crawford won a batting title in the triple-A International League last season.

    3. Justin Crawford, CF

    Age: 22 | Height/weight: 6-1 / 175 | Bats/throws: Left/right

    2025 stats: .334/.411/.452, 7 HR, 46 SB, 11.5% BB rate, 18% K rate at Lehigh Valley (506 PA).

    Outlook: As the son of former All-Star Carl Crawford and a first-round draft pick out of high school in 2022, Crawford has long been destined for the majors. And after hitting .300 at every level of the minor leagues and winning a batting title last season in the International League, he’s about to get his chance. As Dombrowski said, “I don’t know what else he really does at the minor league level at this point.”

    What about Justin Crawford’s hitting style makes him such a polarizing prospect

    Key question: Does he hit too many balls on the ground?

    Crawford’s detractors cite a 59.4% ground-ball rate in triple A that would’ve easily led the majors ahead of Milwaukee’s Christian Yelich (56.7%). But given Crawford’s elite speed, one NL scout questioned whether all the ground balls are such a bad thing. “Hopefully it doesn’t matter,” Lehigh Valley hitting coach Adam Lind said. “His approach works right now. His swing works to where he can hit the ball all over the yard.” And Crawford is adept at putting the bat on the ball, which would bring a different dimension to a Phillies’ offense that features a lot of swing and miss.

    Gage Wood was the Phillies’ first-round draft pick last season.

    4. Gage Wood, SP

    Age: 22 | Height/weight: 6-0 / 210 | Throws: Right

    2025 stats: 4.50 ERA, 1.500 WHIP, 22.2% BB rate, 55.6% K rate at Clearwater (2 IP).

    Outlook: It’s hard to top getting drafted in the first round and signing for $3 million, but the highlight of Wood’s 2025 season was throwing a 19-strikeout no-hitter for Arkansas in the College World Series. He made two pro starts before the end of last season, including a rough first inning in the playoffs, and figures to open this year in the rotation at Clearwater.

    Key question: Long-term, is he a starter or a reliever?

    Wood was in the bullpen through most of his college career before starting as a senior. The Phillies intend to use him as a starter to develop his multiple breaking pitches. But Wood’s path to the big leagues might be quicker as a reliever, especially given his power fastball. Eventually, his role will depend on how his slider and changeup develop relative to his nasty curveball.

    Phillies infield prospect Aroon Escobar had a strong first half of the season last year at low-A Clearwater.

    5. Aroon Escobar, 2B/3B

    Age: 21 | Height/weight: 5-11 / 180 | Bats/throws: Right

    2025 stats: .285/.377/.452, 11 HR, 10 SB, 10.1% BB rate, 16.1% K rate at Clearwater (316 PA); .256/.348/.369, 4 HR, 14 SB, 11.1% BB rate, 20.7% K rate at high-A Jersey Shore (198 PA); .182/.250/.273, 0 HR, 0 SB, 8.3% BB rate, 25% K rate at Reading (24 PA).

    Outlook: After a blazing start last season (.322 average, eight homers through May), he “hit a touch of a wall” in his first full pro season, Murton said, and slumped to .237 the rest of the way. The Phillies challenged him with two promotions, including a late-season cameo with Reading, where he was among the youngest players in the Eastern League. Despite his listed weight, he’s probably closer to 210 pounds, so he’ll need to stay on top of his conditioning.

    Key question: What’s his ceiling as a hitter?

    After playing mostly second base last season, Escobar will likely get time at third to increase his versatility, according to Murton. But his bat will carry him as far as he goes. The Phillies believe his right-handed swing will continue to produce high-contact skills and power to the gaps. One AL evaluator compared him to the Astros’ Isaac Paredes as a hit-first infielder capable of playing multiple positions.

    Phillies outfield prospect Dante Nori led the farm system last season with 577 plate appearances.

    6. Dante Nori, CF

    Age: 21 | Height/weight: 5-10 / 190 | Bats/throws: Left

    2025 stats: .262/.363/.381, 4 HR, 37 SB, 13.1% BB rate, 14.9% K rate at Clearwater (502 PA); .279/.396/.326, 0 HR, 13 SB, 15.1% BB rate, 15.1% K rate at Jersey Shore (53 PA); .190/.227/.286, 0 HR, 2 SB, 4.5% BB rate, 9.1% K rate at Reading (22 PA).

    Outlook: Another hitter with a high contact rate and speed, Nori rose quickly through the system in his first full pro season after getting drafted in the first round in 2024. The son of longtime NBA assistant coach Micah Nori, he trains in the offseason with Kyle Schwarber and has drawn praise for his advanced approach at the plate.

    Key question: Can he be an everyday center fielder?

    Nori might be more of a true center fielder than Crawford, depending on which scouts you ask. One NL evaluator said Nori has a “[Johnny] Damon-esque ceiling,” but noted that he’s undersized, in the mold of Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick. Maybe that’s why another NL scout wondered if Nori is more realistically a fourth outfielder in the majors unless he develops more power at the plate.

    Phillies pitching prospect Moisés Chace is recovering from Tommy John elbow surgery last year.

    7. Moisés Chace, SP

    Age: 23 (on June 9) | Height/weight: 6-1 / 213 | Throws: Right

    2025 stats: 3.24 ERA, 1.620 WHIP, 16% BB rate, 25.3% K rate at Reading (16⅔ IP).

    Outlook: Chace came from the Orioles in a deadline trade in 2024 and immediately rose up the Phillies’ prospect ranks. But he didn’t throw much going into camp last spring, tore an elbow ligament early in the season, and had Tommy John surgery. He isn’t expected to be ready for the start of the season.

    Key question: What’s his best role in the majors?

    If he stayed healthy, Chace might have reached the majors last season, likely as a reliever. It’s still possible the bullpen will be his best path, with an effective fastball-slider combination. But before the Phillies can plan on him in any role, they must see if his stuff plays as well as it did before surgery.

    Phillies outfield prospect Gabriel Rincones Jr. hit 18 homers last season in triple A.

    8. Gabriel Rincones Jr., OF

    Age: 25 (on March 3) | Height/weight: 6-3 / 225 | Bats/throws: Left/right

    2025 stats: .240/.370/.430, 18 HR, 21 SB, 15.8% BB rate, 22.5% K rate at Lehigh Valley (506 PA)

    Outlook: Rincones followed a promising spring training with a poor first half. But he hit 10 home runs after the All-Star break and stayed healthy all season, then was added to the 40-man roster. His struggles against left-handed pitching are pronounced (.107 average/.323 OPS last season). But it’s easy to see him getting a chance to contribute in the majors this year.

    Key question: Will he ever figure out lefties?

    Probably not. And that’s OK with the Phillies, who like what they’ve seen from Rincones vs. righties and believe he can be the strong side of an outfield platoon. One problem: They already have a player like that in Brandon Marsh.

    9. Matthew Fisher, SP

    Age: 20 (on March 14) | Height/weight: 6-3 / 200 | Throws: Right

    2025 stats: None.

    Outlook: Fisher was committed to pitching in college at Indiana until the Phillies drafted him in the seventh round and gave him second-round money. They signed Fisher for $1.25 million, the largest bonus ever paid to a seventh-round pick. Rather than making his pro debut late last season, Fisher went to the Phillies’ fall instructional camp.

    Key question: Will the Phillies’ big bet pay off?

    According to Baseball America, Fisher has a four-pitch mix that includes a curveball and slider. He also has superior athleticism, as a former All-State quarterback in Indiana. And he likely will begin his pro career in Clearwater, pitching in the same rotation as Wood and sharing the spotlight.

    10. Francisco Renteria, OF

    Age: 17 | Height/weight: 6-3 / 216 | Bats/throws: Right.

    2025 stats: None.

    Outlook: It’s a reflection of the state of the Phillies’ farm system that Nos. 9 and 10 on this list haven’t made their pro debuts. Renteria headlined the Phillies’ international amateur class, signing two weeks ago for $4 million, tied with former outfield prospect Jhailyn Ortiz’s club record.

    Key question: Will the Phillies finally have an international superstar?

    Check back in about five years. Renteria will begin his pro career in the Dominican Summer League and isn’t likely to play stateside until at least next season. The Phillies haven’t had much luck chasing their Ronald Acuña Jr. or Juan Soto. Renteria showed promise in Venezuela and on the youth circuit, including showcases in the U.S. with Perfect Game. But there’s a long way to go before the projection turns into reality.

  • How the Eagles and other Philly pro sports teams stepped up after weather halted the Mummers Parade

    How the Eagles and other Philly pro sports teams stepped up after weather halted the Mummers Parade

    Frank Gumienny is a lifelong Philadelphian, so when he heard that the annual Mummers’ string band competition was postponed due to high winds on New Year’s Day, he wanted to help.

    Gumienny, who grew up in Port Richmond cheering on the Polish American String Band and has been the chief operating officer for the Eagles since 2023, called Sam Regalbuto, president of the String Band Association, on New Year’s Day to see if a makeup event would be possible. It would, but the string bands needed an outdoor venue to host their competition.

    “I was like, ‘Wow, we have probably the biggest and most well-known outside venue in Philadelphia,” Gumienny said.

    Gumienny and the Eagles were able to offer Lincoln Financial Field to host the 2026 String Band Spectacular. The event, which is open to the public, will begin at 2 p.m. at the Linc on Saturday.

    Julianna Bonilla (middle) and Stanley Wells (right) kiss after being officially married by Hegeman String Band captain Kelliann Gallagher (left) during this year’s Mummers Parade.

    The show will give the string bands an opportunity to perform their four-and-a-half minute shows in front of judges and compete.

    “They’ve been preparing all year,” Gumienny said. “They prepare 12 months to perform this on New Year’s Day. It’s a Philadelphia tradition. So we try to make sure that they can take everything that they’ve practiced all year and show off.”

    When Gumienny let the Eagles’ neighbors in the South Philly sports complex know that the Linc would be hosting the string bands, the other teams were eager to help. The Phillies, Flyers, and Sixers all made financial contributions to help stage Saturday’s show, and the Union chipped in from Chester to help cover some costs.

    “The other sports teams were like, ‘How can we contribute? How can we be a part of it?’” Gumienny said. “There are costs associated, obviously, with doing this. … A lot of people don’t understand all the costs that go on behind the scenes. And, obviously, the string bands [are] on, call it a tight budget. So we wanted to do whatever we can.”

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    The bands will perform on a stage on the Eagles sideline. The string bands will play toward the crowd, which will be seated in the lower level on the western side of the stadium. Gumienny said he’s estimating between 8,000 and 10,000 spectators will come to the Linc for the showcase, despite the cold weather in the forecast.

    However, one of the 14 bands, Avalon String Band, said it is withdrawing from the event due to the weather. It is unclear if others will join them.

    “With extreme cold predicted for this weekend, our top priority is the health and safety of our members, and the forecasted conditions may put them at risk,” the band posted on Facebook.

    Saturday will not be the first time Mummers have performed at the Linc. When the stadium hosted WWE’s WrestleMania XL in April 2024, a gaggle of string band members accompanied Seth Rollins as he entered the ring in a Mummers costume, playing a jauntier version of Rollins’ theme song.

    Love for the Mummers was also front and center during one of the most iconic moments in recent Eagles history, as Jason Kelce gave a colorful speech while wearing an equally colorful Mummer suit after the team’s 2018 Super Bowl victory.

    “I think it just highlights Philadelphia,” Gumienny said. “The spirit of Philadelphia, the pride of Philadelphia, the passion … The pride and passion of Philadelphia always shines, and I think things like the Eagles, our local sports teams, are always highlighted in this. And then, obviously, things like the Mummers parade that really coincide with what Philadelphia is.”

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    Former Eagles center Jason Kelce pauses during his colorful Super Bowl parade speech on the Art Museum steps while dressed in Mummers attire.

    While all 14 string bands were able to march during the parade on New Year’s Day, the weather forced them to abandon their planned routines, and sent five people to the hospital. The postponement was the first in the parade’s 125-year history. Saturday’s event will give the bands an opportunity to show off their originally planned routines, which take months of planning and preparation.

    “I’ve had a member of the Quaker City String Band reach out and just say, ‘Look, thank you so much, we put a lot of hard work in to do this, and to be able to showcase it at the stadium is awesome,’” Gumienny said. “It’s been super positive, and they’ve been super appreciative and such a good partner to work with. For us and our staff, we get to do something a little bit new and unique to us. But anything that shows off Philadelphia and shows off the stadium, we love it.”

    For Gumienny, the chance to host the string bands is personal, too. In addition to his fond childhood memories of enjoying Port Richmond’s Polish American String Band, his late father-in-law was a captain of the Harrowgate String Band.

    “Back as a little kid, I used to remember either going down to the parade or watching it on TV,” Gumienny said. “It doesn’t get much more Philly than the Mummers.”

    Spectators looking to attend the String Band Spectacular can purchase general admission tickets through Ticketmaster. The event will be broadcast by WFMZ-TV, the same channel that broadcasts the parade on New Year’s Day.

  • Gameday Central: Phillies Extra with Whit Merrifield

    Gameday Central: Phillies Extra with Whit Merrifield

    In 2024, Whit Merrifield was the newcomer to a Phillies’ roster that was virtually unchanged from the previous season. Now, the retired former infielder joined Phillies Extra to discuss the team’s decision to keep the core of the roster intact, as well as his close friend Brad Keller’s path to the Phillies’ bullpen and why Rob Thomson was his favorite manager. Watch here.

  • Gameday Central: Phillies extra with Whit Merrifield

    Gameday Central: Phillies extra with Whit Merrifield

    In 2024, Whit Merrifield was the newcomer to a Phillies’ roster that was virtually unchanged from the previous season. Now, the retired former infielder joined Phillies Extra to discuss the team’s decision to keep the core of the roster intact, as well as his close friend Brad Keller’s path to the Phillies’ bullpen and why Rob Thomson was his favorite manager. Watch here.

  • After playing through pain, Otto Kemp gets a chance to show what he can do when healthy in 2026

    After playing through pain, Otto Kemp gets a chance to show what he can do when healthy in 2026

    Otto Kemp is accustomed to playing through pain.

    In college, he played the Division II national championship game with a broken hand — and went 4-for-4. He also has a habit of getting hit by pitches, 26 total last year, including four in a single game in triple A to set a Lehigh Valley record.

    But even so, Kemp is hoping for a healthier 2026 with the Phillies. He underwent two procedures this winter to address injuries he’d been grinding through last year: a bone fragment removed from his left knee and what he described as a “shoulder cleanup.”

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    Kemp had been playing with the bone fragment since June, but only missed a single game.

    “He’s just so tough. He really is,” said manager Rob Thomson. “He’s just one of those guys that can put all that pain and little dings behind them, and forget about it, and go out and play. Some guys are like that, and he’s one of them. He’s a phenomenal kid.”

    Kemp expects to be fully ready for spring training. The Phillies’ first full-squad workout is set for Feb. 16 in Clearwater, Fla.

    And it figures to be a big spring training for the 26-year-old. Over the offseason, Thomson and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski both emphasized the importance of injecting youth into the Phillies roster in 2026. The Phillies had the second-oldest lineup in baseball last year, with an average age of 30.3 years old.

    Otto Kemp (right) worked with coach Paco Figueroa to get acclimated to left field last season.

    One name that keeps cropping up? Kemp.

    “We like a lot of things about him,” Dombrowski said. “He’s a good hitter, and the ball jumps off his bat. He’s a threat when he comes to the plate. … He’s a tough son of a gun. He’s a championship-type player. I mean, what he played through last year, injury-wise, I don’t think that there’s many people that would have done that.”

    Kemp will likely have an opportunity in left field as a right-handed platoon partner for Brandon Marsh. He came up through the Phillies’ system as an infielder but played 63 major league innings last season in left field, logging significant time working with coach Paco Figueroa. Kemp recorded plus-1 defensive runs saved in the outfield in 2025.

    But he also acknowledged that he still has a lot to learn about the position.

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    “Every place that you play at, the dimensions are different, the environment is different,” Kemp said. “So just learning how to play through the elements, and learning what I need to take away from any ballpark that we’re at, and how the ball bounces off the wall, what the dimensions are like. Learning overall feel in the outfield, I think, is just going to be the biggest part moving forward.”

    The Phillies are most excited about Kemp’s bat, especially when he’s fully healthy. He had a .234 batting average and .709 OPS in 62 major league games last season, but the potential for more power is there. He hit 16 home runs in 74 triple-A games.

    With a big spring on the horizon, Kemp is looking forward to the opportunity to be one of the young players potentially impacting the lineup and clubhouse.

    Otto Kemp had a .709 OPS in 62 games with the Phillies last season.

    “It’s awesome to be recognized for the work that we’ve been putting in,” Kemp said. “… Really just try and lean into that, and just be gamers, and play the game hard and do things the right way. Just seeing all of that kind of take shape and start to form something has been really cool.”

    Kemp could share the outfield with another young player in Justin Crawford, who is the Phillies’ presumptive opening day center fielder. Kemp has teamed up with the 22-year-old at several minor league stops.

    “He’s a gamer. He’s a game changer,” Kemp said. “He’s got speed. He’s just raw athletic. He’s just a grindy guy. He’s going to get the job done, and I’m excited to see what he can do at the big league level, because just playing with him over the last three years has been really special.

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    “Fun to see him in the leadoff spot, just setting the tone, swiping bags, taking extra 90s [bases]. I think it’s all stuff that plays a big factor in winning baseball games, so it’s going to be fun to see him do that on the biggest stage.”

    After Kemp’s whirlwind rookie year ended and he started to address the injuries he’d been playing through, he took some time with his wife to reflect on the journey. When he made his major league debut in June, he accomplished something that few other Division II college players and undrafted free agents have.

    But he doesn’t want the story to end there.

    “You get a lot of ups and downs in this game,” Kemp said. “And there’s people that don’t stick. And hopefully I’m trying to prove to be one of those guys that can get established up here.”

  • Believe it or not, Aidan Miller and the Dodgers are more connected than one might think

    Believe it or not, Aidan Miller and the Dodgers are more connected than one might think

    The fun part of the baseball offseason is the illusion of control.

    Unless you are Dave Dombrowski.

    In which case, you’re a sitting duck. Or, even worse, you’re a floating duck, whose legs are tied, except they are tied beneath the surface, and so everybody thinks you’re a dumb little ducky because you don’t know how to swim.

    The Phillies president has earned some of the criticism being lobbed his way. As ridiculous as it may seem for the Mets to pay Bo Bichette $42 million in annual average value, is it any more ridiculous than paying Taijuan Walker and Nick Castellanos a combined $38 million in AAV?

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    The substitution costs are always what get you. Thirty-eight million dollars would have been enough to have Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez in your bullpen last season. It would have been enough to have Edwin Díaz in your bullpen this season. General managing is all about the tradeoffs you make.

    The irony is that the Castellanos and Walker contracts are easy ones to stumble into for the same reason that everyone thinks Dombrowski has done a lousy job this offseason. If you happened to be someone who pointed out the overinflated and potentially ill-advised nature of those deals at the time they were signed, you were met with a shrug of the shoulders.

    Phillies president David Dombrowski has been the brunt of a few jokes this offseason as the team looks to retool for this upcoming year.

    Who cares? It’s not our money.

    Well, it’s nobody’s money now.

    But let’s get back to our original point. Whatever nickel-and-diming we do in hindsight, it wouldn’t erase the only conclusion we can draw from this offseason. No amount of fiscal prudence would have given the Phillies the means to catch up to, let alone keep pace with, the Dodgers. Over the last three offseasons, they have signed Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and now Kyle Tucker and Díaz to contracts ranging from $22 million to $57 million in average annual value.

    John Middleton might be a billionaire, but the Dodgers’ annual payroll is pushing half a billion once you factor in the luxury tax. How many billions? That’s the question you need to answer to compete at this level of spending.

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    The Phillies know this. Could Middleton and his minority owners rub their pennies together a little harder? Sure. Their attempt to sign Bichette was a sign that they aren’t operating by any hard spending limits. What they lack — what everybody lacks, except for the Dodgers and Mets — is the ability to sign such contracts with the knowledge that they can outspend any mistakes. The Dodgers have plenty of seemingly dead money on their books after last year’s bullpen spending spree. But it doesn’t seem to matter.

    Chasing Bo Bichette, who signed with the Mets, was admirable of the Phillies. But what would the cost have been if they landed him?

    The ability to sign Bichette for what would have been a reasonable seven-year, $200 million deal is a lot different from the ability to spend that money on whoever happens to be available. That’s how you end up hamstringing yourself by overpaying for players like Walker and Castellanos.

    Those contracts only make sense if you can outspend the mistakes. The Phillies aren’t there, nor have they ever pretended to be. It’s plenty fair to criticize Dombrowski and Middleton for offering those deals to begin with. But you can’t fault them for their inability and/or unwillingness to offer another batch of them.

    What’s a better vacation: a week at the Jersey Shore or spring training in Clearwater?

    Which brings us to the illusory aspect of the baseball offseason. Regardless of how the last few months would have played out, the Phillies were always going to enter spring training needing to look inward in order to catch up to the Dodgers. In more ways than one. They are going to need to get some sort of impact from their minor league system. And they are going to need to get the intestinal fortitude to create opportunities for it to happen.

    The best news of the offseason might have come over the last week, when all of the national outlets released their Top 100 prospects lists. Aidan Miller showed up in the Top 10 of two of those lists: No. 6 on The Athletic’s and No. 10 on ESPN’s.

    News? Perhaps not. But confirmation that the national scouting industry agrees with what all of us local yokels have seen with our own two eyes for the last two years. Miller is the kind of prospect who can alter a team’s long-term trajectory while massively boosting its present-day World Series odds.

    Many believe Phillies minor league infielder Aidan Miller is the kind of prospect who can alter a team’s long-term trajectory.

    Years ago, the Dodgers had one of those prospects in Corey Seager. He broke into the big leagues at 21 on a team managed by Don Mattingly. Mattingly happens to be the new Phillies bench coach and the father of the team’s general manager. The Dodgers went to the NLCS the following season, when Seager was 22, and the World Series the year after, when he was 23. Miller will be 22 in June.

    Prospects are largely responsible for writing their own future. Miller needs to start the season the way he ended the last one. If he does, the Phillies need to do their part and find him a spot in the lineup. It could involve difficult conversations, but they will be necessary ones.

    Same goes elsewhere. With Andrew Painter. With Gage Wood. With lesser-heralded prospects like Gabriel Rincones and Jean Cabrera. The Phillies need to be willing and flexible to bring guys up and find out what they have.

    The Dodgers have set the bar high. The Phillies have no choice but to reach for it.

  • The Citizens Bank Park food classics we’re ready for this Phillies season

    The Citizens Bank Park food classics we’re ready for this Phillies season

    Blink and you’ll miss it — a sea of Phillies red will be back at Citizens Bank Park for the home opener against the Texas Rangers on Thursday, March 26, with first pitch set for 4:15 p.m.

    Along with the on-field action, fans can expect the return of one of baseball’s best supporting casts: the uniquely local ballpark food.

    Aramark, which has refreshed the Phillies’ in-stadium menu for four decades, is still putting the finishing touches on a handful of new, experimental bites. While the full 2026 lineup hasn’t been officially announced, longtime fans know there’s a reliable cast of classics that tend to return year after year.

    Here’s what we’re ready to welcome back this season, from soft serve worth the sticky fingers to Jersey Shore-style slices that taste like summer.

    Served with a side of gravy at Citizens Bank Park, Bulls BBQ’s stuffed turkey egg rolls come with stuffing and cranberry sauce.

    Ballpark favorites

    General concession stands can be spotted throughout CBP, typically offering old faithfuls like Hatfield Phillies jumbo franks, Federal Pretzel braids, and a mix of domestic and local beer options.

    With a little game planning, you could score either a hot dog, a super pretzel, a popcorn box, or a soda for $5 each. And around $10 for a sizable combo at most concession stands in the park.

    (You can find these gems at South Philadelphia Market, Hatfield Grill, Cooperstown Café, Shibe Park Eatery, and other concessions throughout the park.)

    Two buckets of crabfries from a Chickie’s & Pete’s concession stand at Citizens Bank Park, as shown in this 2023 file photo. One basket is more than $15, not including a side of cheese, at the ballpark this season.

    Chickie’s & Pete’s

    While not as price-friendly as the previously mentioned menu items, Chickie’s & Pete’s Crabfries are worth every penny. The nearly $20 price tag may seem high for an Old Bay-seasoned fry basket, but the savory offering has won over fans’ hearts for a reason. Oh, and don’t forget to add the cheese sauce on the way out.

    Manco & Manco Pizza

    This Ocean City staple delivers one of the best slices you’ll find at the ballpark. Go for a personal pie of the iconic thin-crust pizza, then settle in with your crew and let the Phils do the rest against their big-league rivals.

    P.J. Whelihan’s

    P.J. Whelihan’s is a trusted Citizens Bank Park standby — and for good reason. From savory onion rings to fiery boneless wing combos and crowd-pleasing cheesesteak egg rolls, this original Poconos-area favorite has earned its spot as a must-visit at the ballpark.

    1883 Burger Co.

    A homage to the year the Phillies were founded, 1883 Burger Co. gives the nation’s oldest, continuously running franchise its proper due. The spot’s smash burgers are stacked with fresh veggies and a flattering dose of Thousand Island, all resting on a soft, buttery bun that seals all of its savory glory in one.

    A cheeseburger from Shake Shack at Citizens Bank Park.

    Shake Shack

    In case the line at 1883 Burger Co. is slammed, stop by Shake Shack for a cheeseburger that’s made the fast-food chain a national treasure. Then wash it down with a hand-spun shake, coming in multiple flavors.

    Colbie’s Southern Kissed Chicken

    Indulge in Southern-style comfort, brought to you by Phillies legend Ryan Howard. Along with original and Nashville Hot chicken sandwiches, try the Peach Spoon Pie dessert and The Big Piece, an unmistakable ode to the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Famer.

    Jerk chicken sandwich from Bull’s BBQ concession stand at Citizens Bank Park on April 9, 2023.

    Bull’s BBQ

    What’s not to love about burnt-end cheesesteaks, pulled pork, smoked rib platters, and turkey collard greens? Bull’s BQ, a main course concession staple, brings at-home barbecue to your stadium seat. The real highlight is the jerk chicken sandwich, complete with a plantain (or two) for an extra pinch of Caribbean flavor.

    Campo’s

    If you’re looking for a cheesesteak on game day, stop by Campo’s for the ballpark’s widest variety of the classic sandwich. The Old City staple has everything from a traditional cheesesteak and chicken cheesesteak to a buffalo-sauced sandwich and a vegetarian version.

    Doughnuts from Federal Donuts concession stand at Citizens Bank Park on April 9, 2023.

    Federal Donuts & Chicken

    There are few things better than hand-battered tenders, boneless chicken sandwiches, and freshly made doughnuts from the brainchild of world-famous restaurateurs Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook of CookNSolo Restaurant, as well as Tom Henneman, Felicia D’Ambrosio, and Bob Logue. Stopping by this South Philly-born franchise at CBP is always a home run.

    Greens & Grains

    Ballpark food isn’t just fare for meat lovers. The grub at Greens & Grains is proof that vegan or vegetarian fans don’t have to settle for french fries or pretzels. The vegan and plant-based eatery offers restaurant-quality dishes like Chk’n parm pesto, gyro pita, and a vegan hot dog.

    A cheesesteak from Uncle Charlie’s Steaks at Citizens Bank Park.

    Uncle Charlie’s Steaks

    For classic cheesesteaks at CBP, Uncle Charlie’s Steaks has earned the trust of Phillies fans. The smell of smoked rib-eye and Cooper sharp cheese can be spotted yards away. And the taste certainly matches the pleasant aroma.

    Tony Luke’s

    The South Philly-made franchise is a ballpark favorite, thanks to the roast pork sandwich and famed cheesesteak. Between the two, the roast pork is among the best CBP has to offer. Don’t believe me? Try it yourself.

    Baker Bowl Bistro and Connie Mack’s

    For some high-end ballpark bites, this Hall of Fame Club suites destination houses chef-attended specialties like a seared crab cake sandwich and a black bean veggie burger that rivals any other one in CBP.

    Chocolate ice cream and sprinkles from Old City Creamery at Citizens Bank Park on April 9, 2023.

    Old City Creamery

    Old City Creamery is a kid’s dream. Not only do they leave with Richman’s delicious soft serve, stacked with toppings of their choice, but they also get a miniature Phillies batting helmet to go. Sounds like a win to me.

    Philadelphia Water Ice

    Whether you pronounce it water or “wooder” ice, it makes no difference. This regional staple is all the more delicious under the stadium lights on a simmering summer day. The simple mix of water, sugar, and refreshing fruit flavors is a hit out of the park every time.

    A cup of mango water ice from Philadelphia Water Ice concession stand at Citizens Bank Park.

  • ‘Phillies Extra’ Q&A: Rob Thomson on managing the Bo Bichette aftermath, Nick Castellanos, and more

    ‘Phillies Extra’ Q&A: Rob Thomson on managing the Bo Bichette aftermath, Nick Castellanos, and more

    Later this week, Rob Thomson will gas up his truck near his home in Ontario and begin the drive to Clearwater, Fla., for spring training.

    “As you go further south, it gets warmer and warmer, and you really feel like baseball’s back,” the Phillies manager said. “And I’m really looking forward to it.”

    First, Thomson was a guest on Phillies Extra, The Inquirer’s baseball podcast. He discussed a variety of topics, including how the organization will get over its collective disappointment at not signing Bo Bichette, the value of J.T. Realmuto, moving on from Nick Castellanos, and more.

    Watch the full interview below and subscribe to the Phillies Extra podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

    Q: You pushed back the other day on the notion that the Phillies are “running it back.” I think the question heading into the 2026 season is not so much about running it back. I think the question that people should be asking is, are you better today than you were at the end of last season? How do you feel about that?

    A: I think it’s to be determined, but I feel better about it. You know, we lose Ranger [Suárez in free agency to the Red Sox], and that’s a big loss. But that’s part of the business, too. I do feel really good about our bullpen. We lose Matty Strahm, who was a big part of our bullpen, but the addition of Brad Keller, who can get both sides out, the addition of Jonathan Bowlan, who I think is a really good two-inning guy that can get righties out. We got some stuff for him to get lefties out. This left-hander, Kyle Backhus, he looks really good. He’s really interesting. He’s got a really low arm slot. So I’m really excited to see these guys. I think we’ve got a really good fit here.

    The Phillies were ‘very close’ to getting Bo Bichette and ended up with J.T. Realmuto. Here’s how it happened.

    I’m excited to see Adolis García. I think there’s a chance he bounces back. I think with Adolis — and I can’t speak for him — but in being with Texas last year, with the expectations they had, with all the injuries they had to [Corey] Seager and [Marcus Semien], and I’m wondering if he didn’t try to put the team on his back and put a little bit too much pressure on himself. So maybe he can come in here and just kind of slide into the group and get back to where he was.

    I’m excited about [Justin] Crawford. We heard all about him last year [in triple A]. Everybody kept asking me, ‘When’s he coming? When’s he coming?’ It just didn’t happen. But now it looks like it’s going to happen, so I’m excited about that. The speed, the small ball, the on-base ability, it’s really exciting to me to have him hit at the bottom of the lineup and turn the lineup over.

    And with Andrew Painter on his second year coming off Tommy John [surgery], I think this is the year where he probably gets really close to being back to normal. And if he’s close to being back to normal, he’s really something. So, there’s a lot of really good things going on.

    I think because of the Bichette thing, a lot of that stuff gets overlooked a little bit, and I understand that. But I certainly don’t want the people of Philadelphia to think that we’ve gone in a different direction, and we’re not committed to excellence, committed to winning, and committed to winning world championships because that will never change. We are fully committed to all of that. And we’ve just got to get to the playoffs, but we’ve got a really good club, and we’ve got to play better in the playoffs.

    Q: If the Phillies signed Bichette, a lot of dominoes would’ve fallen in line behind that. Realmuto might not be here; Alec Bohm might not be here. What’s your read on everyone’s mindset in the aftermath of not signing Bichette and where guys stand in terms of knowing, ‘OK, I’m here now and this is what it’s going to be?’

    A: Yeah, it’s a good question. And I think for the most part, professional athletes and our guys, because we’ve got a pretty experienced club, they understand the business side of it. They understand that things happen and things don’t happen, and they have to just keep moving forward and just stay focused on what they need to do and what they can control because they’ve been through it quite a bit — trade, free agency, trade rumors. So, it’s all part of the business. I think they understand that. And now that we’re past that, I think they’re ready to go.

    Q: You were a catcher. Is there an example you can give that maybe illustrates why Realmuto is such an asset in terms of game-calling and handling a pitching staff? And what you might have missed if things had gone differently with Bichette and J.T. wound up somewhere else?

    A: I was looking through it the other day, just OPS numbers with J.T. catching with our pitchers. ERA numbers with J.T. catching with our pitchers, and it’s really amazing how good it is. And obviously, our pitchers are good. But when you can stand out on the mound and you can relax and you understand, and you know that guy behind the plate has spent two hours prior to the game preparing for me, for that guy standing on the mound, it gives you a lot of confidence. And you can measure the caught-stealing rate of 30%, so that’s still really good. I don’t know what the receiving numbers are, but it seems like he’s really good.

    J.T. Realmuto is glad to be back with the Phillies and believes he can bounce back at the plate

    The way he runs the game, and he can slow down the heartbeat of the team and the heartbeat of the game just by his presence, just by when he goes to the mound, when he calls timeout. You can’t measure all of that. And I’ve said it before, I’ve had [Jorge] Posada, I’ve had Brian McCann, I’ve had Pudge Rodríguez, I’ve had Russell Martin. He’s as good, if not better than all of them. He’s kind of in the same mold with Russell Martin, as far as the body, what kind of shape he’s in, his durability. So, I know J.T. is 35, but he’s playing like he’s in his late 20s. That’s the type of body he’s got and the energy that he brings. He brings so much, and I’m so happy that we have him back. I really am.

    Right fielder Nick Castellanos is not in the Phillies’ plans for 2026.
    Q: Dave Dombrowski said the other day that the plan is still to move Nick Castellanos, one way or another. I wonder if you could reflect on all that happened with Nick last season, from the situation in the dugout in Miami in June to reducing his playing time in the summer and then September, and the comments that he made. You pride yourself on communicating with players. Was it difficult to navigate that situation last year and make sure that it didn’t cause a larger disruption?

    A: Yeah, you always try to keep the noise down because there’s always little things that happen, and I feel terrible that any player would feel like I didn’t communicate well enough, because I pride myself on that. I want players to not be confused. I want them to understand exactly what’s going on, and if there’s something going on with them that my door is always open, and I expect them to come in and they need to communicate with me, too, because I don’t know. I’m not a mind reader. So, it was just a difficult situation. The thing with Nick, the bottom line is, he wants to play every day. He wants to play every inning, every day, and you can’t fault him for that. I think I respect him a great deal, just for being that guy.

    Are the Phillies ‘running it back’? Maybe, but that’s not the most important question for 2026
    Q: Is there an idea yet of when Zack Wheeler might get on a mound? And do you have an idea for his state of mind coming off this pretty big surgery five months or so ago? Where does he stand in terms of his confidence level that he could come back and be Zack Wheeler?

    A: He feels really good, and I’m really encouraged by it. I don’t have a date when he’s going to get on the mound, but he’s getting stronger. The ball flight keeps getting better every time he throws a baseball. The release point is getting more consistent every time he throws. He’s got certain goals, like he wants to start the season with us. Whether that’s going to happen or not, that’s up to the trainers and the medical people and the doctors. But he wants to be an All-Star. He’s got goals. So, that’s good. He’s got a carrot out there that he’s after, so that’s good. This whole rehab process could take up to eight months, generally. I think he’s probably going to be a little bit ahead of that. Whether he’s on our opening-day roster, I’m not really sure. Don’t want to push him, for sure, because we want a healthy Zack Wheeler. We want him back to normal, and I believe he’s going to get there.

  • Reports: Former Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader agrees to deal with Giants

    Reports: Former Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader agrees to deal with Giants

    Harrison Bader reached an agreement with the Giants on a two-year, $20.5 million contract, according to multiple reports on Monday.

    The center fielder posted a career year offensively in 2025, slashing .277/.347/.449 over 146 games. The Phillies acquired Bader from the Twins at the trade deadline to bolster their outfield, in exchange for two prospects, outfielder Hendry Mendez and right-handed pitcher Geremy Villoria.

    Bader, 31, was immediately a popular member of the Phillies clubhouse in the second half of the season, with several of his teammates adopting his catchphrases and signature crop top. He suffered a groin strain while running the bases during Game 1 of the National League Division Series and was limited to pinch-hitting in Games 2 and 4.

    Are the Phillies ‘running it back’? Maybe, but that’s not the most important question for 2026

    He declined his end of his $10 million mutual option following the season, becoming a free agent.

    Following Bader’s departure, the Phillies’ outfield is set to look quite different on opening day. Max Kepler remains unsigned after receiving an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug, and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has said the club plans to find a “change of scenery” for right fielder Nick Castellanos.

    The Phillies signed Adolis García to a one-year, $10 million contract, and they expect to give top outfield prospect Justin Crawford the opportunity to earn the starting center fielder job in 2026. Crawford was extended a non-roster invite to major league spring training on Friday.

  • ‘Not elite’ Bryce Harper might lose his No. 3 spot in the Phillies lineup, flip with Kyle Schwarber at No. 2

    ‘Not elite’ Bryce Harper might lose his No. 3 spot in the Phillies lineup, flip with Kyle Schwarber at No. 2

    Maybe giving Bryce Harper better protection will return him to “elite” status.

    The most intriguing tidbit the Phillies provided Tuesday in their Hot Stove state of the union news conferences concerned how the run-it-back lineup will be organized.

    The Phils led the National League in batting average and finished second in OPS as they won their second consecutive NL East title. That offense was led by a lineup that generally featured Trea Turner leading off, Kyle Schwarber batting second, and Harper batting third. Harper has spent most of his career batting third.

    This year might be different.

    “Yeah, I’ve got some ideas,” said manager Rob Thomson. “I’ve got to talk to the players about it, but you could see a change this year, flipping those guys around a little bit.”

    Are the Phillies ‘running it back’? Maybe, but that’s not the most important question for 2026

    Asked later if the changes could involve Harper moving out of the three-hole, Thomson said, “Yes.”

    A change might do him good.

    A wrist injury and a steady diet of breaking balls — a career-high 41.3% — led to Harper’s worst season since 2016. His .844 OPS was 22nd in baseball and more than 50 points below his .911 career OPS entering 2025.

    This dip in production led Phillies president Dave Dombrowski, in his postseason news conference in October, to cast Harper as “a quality player” who didn’t “have an elite season like he has had in the past.”

    This upset Harper, who, nine days later, told The Athletic he was “hurt” by the comments and the resulting fallout. That included speculation that the Phillies might be better off trading Harper — media-fueled speculation, and something the Phillies never considered.

    Dombrowski has said he had a conversation with Harper in November and emerged from that discussion believing that their relationship was fine.

    Then, on Dec. 26, Harper posted a TikTok video of himself hitting in a batting cage while wearing a sweatshirt that said, “NOT ELITE.”

    He doesn’t seem fine.

    Simmering

    Harper had announced via social on Dec. 23 that he plans to play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in March.

    Thomson said Tuesday that Harper had been hitting in late December, earlier than usual, to better prepare for the WBC … and, maybe, to make Dombrowski eat his words.

    “I think he’s motivated. I really do,” Thomson said. “I think he’s motivated to play for his country, and I think he’s motivated to win a world championship.”

    Marcus Hayes: Dave Dombrowski says ‘we’re content’ despite big-name free agents still available. ‘Not elite’ offseason continues for Phillies.

    Will Harper be motivated to move from the No. 3 spot?

    His career OPS while batting second is .791 in 1,010 plate appearances, though those numbers reflect him as a much younger player. In his most recent stretch of hitting No. 2 — 14 games last season — Harper’s OPS was .900.

    Schwarber, meanwhile, has a career OPS of .882 when batting second and .816 when batting third, though he only has 209 plate appearances batting third. For what it’s worth, Schwarber’s OPS in the cleanup spot is .937 in 475 plate appearances.

    Fair point

    Dombrowski might have put his foot in his mouth in October, but he’s right. Harper’s production lagged in 2025. He’s 33 this season.

    A lineup change might be just what the Topper ordered.

    This isn’t the first time Harper’s spot in the lineup has come into question with spring training looming. In fact, this time last year nobody knew who would hit where, exactly. The three previous seasons, Schwarber had been an unusual leadoff hitter — low-average, high-power, few RBIs.

    Marcus Hayes: Baseball Hall of Fame: Cole Hamels’ prospects, Ryan Braun’s PED problem, and Manny Ramirez’s last ride

    The Phillies were eager to harness Schwarber’s power (they did: he led baseball with 132 RBIs last year) and replace him up top with Turner or Bryson Stott. If that didn’t work, they hoped their best hitter since ,might be willing to do the job.

    Harper was not interested in that.

    “Obviously, I’m a three-hole hitter, and I have been, but whenever they’ve told me to hit two or four, I’ve done that in the past,” Harper said last spring. “I like to see pitches before I hit, seeing what the guy’s going to do.”

    It’s unlikely Harper will be asked to hit leadoff this season, considering last year Turner won both the job and the NL batting title, hitting .304.

    David Murphy: Mets take aim at Phillies with Freddy Peralta and Bo Bichette, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves

    But it seems extremely likely that Harper and Schwarber will switch, at least occasionally. Both bat left-handed, but Schwarber hit 23 homers off lefties last season with a .962 OPS, both records for left-handed hitters. Of course, he did this with Harper usually standing in the on-deck circle.

    And when Harper came to bat, pitchers knew the No. 4 hitter wasn’t much of a threat. Usually, it was a right-hander like Nick Castellanos, J.T. Realmuto, or Alec Bohm, all of whom struggled in 2025. Early in the season, it was Schwarber.

    Who now?

    This season, $10 million free agent Adolis García will probably get the first chance. He’s hit mostly cleanup the past four years. He’s a right-handed hitter. He has power potential, averaging just over 30 home runs for the Rangers from 2021-24.

    No other player makes sense, especially since Thomson will want to maximize the number of appearances for his would-be elite players, Schwarber and Harper.

    ‘Phillies Extra’ Q&A: Jesús Luzardo on J.T. Realmuto’s impact, his WBC decision, and more

    So, ultimately, who will protect whom? It will be one of the more interesting story lines at spring training.

    It also might not be determined by the end of the Phillies’ preseason. The WBC could occupy Harper for two full weeks right in the middle of spring training.

    That might be irrelevant. In a make-or-break season for a Phillies core that has underachieved the past three years, it sounds like Thomson might juggle the lineup every day of the season if he feels like it, preference and feelings be damned.

    His current philosophy:

    “Whoever’s hitting good — protect them.”