Philadelphia Phillies: Offseason Moves and 2025 Season Hopes
By: Padraig Smith
Each passing season only seems busier, and this team is no exception in the year 2025. The new goal is to take the team above and beyond what went well in 2024, such as the shrewd moves that affected several key positions, which were suitable for the team’s needs. Applying a bit of consideration instead of taking things for granted the team made the necessary adjustments for the next season’s run.
Movements This Offseason:
Some good moves were made during this offseason by the Phillies; after all, they have done well to strengthen their pitching and lineup.
Jesús Luzardo Trade:
The biggest acquisition was on December 22, 2024, when the Phillies went lefty and surprised everyone by bringing Jesús Luzardo from the Miami Marlins. This trade sent prospects Starlyn Caba and Emaarion Boyd to the Marlins in return. Luzardo brings promise, as he is 27 years old, and his career has been marked by ups and downs; nonetheless, he holds promise, and the team banks on him. He should add depth to the proven arms on the Phillies roster, including a career 4.29 ERA from pitchers like Wheeler, Nola, and Sánchez. This means Luzardo will be another experienced arm for the team in 2025.
Max Kepler Signing
The signing of Max Kepler solidified an outfield addition along with a strong batting presence. Kepler, 32, has spent his entire career with the Minnesota Twins up to 2023, averaging decent numbers: a .253 batting average with 8 home runs and 42 RBIs in 106 games in 2023. From the defensive and power-providing angles, Kepler would be a serious outfield addition to the Phillies.
Jordan Romano Adds Bullpen Depth
Jordan Romano signed a one-year deal with the Phillies, adding to the bullpen depth and flexibility. After several disappointing outings in 2024 with the Toronto Blue Jays, he adds new optimistic possibilities to be extremely valuable to this organization. Considering his streak of unsuccessful seasons, he’ll be expected to bounce back from last season and make a contribution to a bullpen that desperately needs help for a team like the Phillies.
Contract Extension for Manager Rob Thomson
In the few years Rob Thomson has been managing, the Phillies have managed to win the NL East Title in 2024, along with a trip to the NLCS in 2022 and 2023. He was the glue that held it all together. Thus, in terms of continuity and long-term planning within the organization, his extension through 2026 locks in the manager position for a while.
Team Expectations for 2025
April 2024 will see the landing of numerous expectations on the Phillies when March 2025 begins. They will want to build on what they have achieved over the last couple of years, and they are doing it in a way to establish themselves as one of the elite clubs in the National League. Luzardo fits perfectly into the rotation alongside Wheeler and Nola. Sánchez and Suárez offer some insurance instead of the bullpen. Kepler lends depth to the outfield, while Romano provides a boost to the bullpen for timely additions to that postseason charge. What will further fuel hope amongst the fans early in 2025 while looking back on the Phillies’ exploits in 2024 through the eyes of a balanced roster and resolute manager for the long haul? Some analysts and fans truly believe that the Phillies have a strong chance of claiming the coveted World Series prize in the year 2025.
The Future Around the Corner
The training roster sets forth and lays down expectations in every upward-facing direction. With this core and offseason newcomers in place, the fans are ready to crank up the heat for the season. A strong, deep rotation with a veteran presence is what the Philadelphia Phillies need to make a run for the ultimate prize of all: the title of World Series champion.
