Phillies President Dave Dombrowski has set a cautious tone for the rest of the offseason, stating that he's "content with where we are" as the club attempts to build upon its successful run since 2023. The loss of prized free agent Bo Bichette to the Mets has dealt a significant blow, but Dombrowski says the team will move forward and make do with what they have.
The Phillies' core remains intact, thanks in part to the re-signing of J.T. Realmuto for another three years. While the loss of Bichette was a disappointment, Dombrowski downplays its impact on the club's overall outlook.
"We thought we had a deal with Bo, but it didn't work out," Dombrowski explained. "We're not hanging our heads or getting discouraged about it."
Instead, Dombrowski says the Phillies will focus on building upon their existing roster. They've re-signed Kyle Schwarber and brought in Adolis Garcรญa to bolster their offense. The team also re-signed Realmuto, a move that helps compensate for the loss of catcher as a key free agent pickup.
While there are still some notable free agents on the market, including Cody Bellinger and Framber Valdez, Dombrowski says it's unlikely the Phillies will pursue either at this point.
"I think we're happy with where our roster is," he said. "We have a good club."
However, Dombrowski acknowledged that the Phillies do need to inject some youth into their lineup. The team plans to give prospect Justin Crawford an opportunity to prove himself in one of the everyday outfield spots.
"We always try to get better, and you never know what's going to happen," Dombrowski said. "We'll see how it plays out."
The Phillies have had plenty of opportunities to build a strong roster over the past few years, but they've often come up short. It remains to be seen whether this team will finally break through.
For now, though, Dombrowski says he's optimistic about the club's chances in 2026.
"I think we have a very good chance," he said. "We're happy with where our club is."
The Phillies' core remains intact, thanks in part to the re-signing of J.T. Realmuto for another three years. While the loss of Bichette was a disappointment, Dombrowski downplays its impact on the club's overall outlook.
"We thought we had a deal with Bo, but it didn't work out," Dombrowski explained. "We're not hanging our heads or getting discouraged about it."
Instead, Dombrowski says the Phillies will focus on building upon their existing roster. They've re-signed Kyle Schwarber and brought in Adolis Garcรญa to bolster their offense. The team also re-signed Realmuto, a move that helps compensate for the loss of catcher as a key free agent pickup.
While there are still some notable free agents on the market, including Cody Bellinger and Framber Valdez, Dombrowski says it's unlikely the Phillies will pursue either at this point.
"I think we're happy with where our roster is," he said. "We have a good club."
However, Dombrowski acknowledged that the Phillies do need to inject some youth into their lineup. The team plans to give prospect Justin Crawford an opportunity to prove himself in one of the everyday outfield spots.
"We always try to get better, and you never know what's going to happen," Dombrowski said. "We'll see how it plays out."
The Phillies have had plenty of opportunities to build a strong roster over the past few years, but they've often come up short. It remains to be seen whether this team will finally break through.
For now, though, Dombrowski says he's optimistic about the club's chances in 2026.
"I think we have a very good chance," he said. "We're happy with where our club is."