The Philadelphia Phillies are at a crossroads as they navigate the 2025-26 MLB free agency landscape. While they possess an all-time elite starting pitching rotation, with five potential aces, including Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Andrew Painter, there are numerous question marks surrounding their health and production.
Will Wheeler regain his form after undergoing thoracic outlet surgery this summer? Will Nola bounce back from a career-worst season in 2025? Can Painter finally make the leap to the majors, despite a shaky 2025 in Triple-A? What about Taijuan Walker, who pitches in the rotation or bullpen? And will the Phillies even try to bring back free agent Ranger Suárez after giving him a qualifying offer?
The answer lies in their priorities for 2026. Philadelphia is expected to focus on re-signing Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto while solidifying their outfield and bullpen. However, with no clear openings for a starting pitcher, it's uncertain whether they'll be major contenders for top free agent starters like Framber Valez, Dylan Cease, or Lucas Giolito.
That being said, the Phillies might explore adding a fifth starter type or even a player coming off an injury to provide midseason depth. Zach Eflin, a familiar name in Philadelphia, could be a reclamation project as he returns from back surgery and adjusts to a new role as a reliever. Tyler Anderson, a 35-year-old lefty with All-Star experience, might fit the bill if they're open to adding another lefty to the rotation.
Other free agents worth watching include Nester Cortes, who underwent biceps surgery in September, Miles Mikolas, a 37-year-old former All-Star looking for a starting role, and Michael Lorenzen, a former Phillie with relief experience. Dozens of other pitchers are also on the radar, including those coming off bad seasons or injuries.
The Phillies' approach to free agency will be crucial to their success in 2026. While they have an impressive projected rotation, they're wise not to get caught up in the excitement surrounding top starting pitchers. Instead, they should focus on finding value in less glamorous options to bolster their depth and maintain a competitive edge throughout the season.
Will Wheeler regain his form after undergoing thoracic outlet surgery this summer? Will Nola bounce back from a career-worst season in 2025? Can Painter finally make the leap to the majors, despite a shaky 2025 in Triple-A? What about Taijuan Walker, who pitches in the rotation or bullpen? And will the Phillies even try to bring back free agent Ranger Suárez after giving him a qualifying offer?
The answer lies in their priorities for 2026. Philadelphia is expected to focus on re-signing Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto while solidifying their outfield and bullpen. However, with no clear openings for a starting pitcher, it's uncertain whether they'll be major contenders for top free agent starters like Framber Valez, Dylan Cease, or Lucas Giolito.
That being said, the Phillies might explore adding a fifth starter type or even a player coming off an injury to provide midseason depth. Zach Eflin, a familiar name in Philadelphia, could be a reclamation project as he returns from back surgery and adjusts to a new role as a reliever. Tyler Anderson, a 35-year-old lefty with All-Star experience, might fit the bill if they're open to adding another lefty to the rotation.
Other free agents worth watching include Nester Cortes, who underwent biceps surgery in September, Miles Mikolas, a 37-year-old former All-Star looking for a starting role, and Michael Lorenzen, a former Phillie with relief experience. Dozens of other pitchers are also on the radar, including those coming off bad seasons or injuries.
The Phillies' approach to free agency will be crucial to their success in 2026. While they have an impressive projected rotation, they're wise not to get caught up in the excitement surrounding top starting pitchers. Instead, they should focus on finding value in less glamorous options to bolster their depth and maintain a competitive edge throughout the season.
. I mean, it's tempting to go all out for top free agents like Valez or Cease, but think about it, they're gonna break the bank 
. meanwhile, guys like Eflin and Anderson could bring some veteran wisdom at a fraction of the cost 
. and let's not forget about Cortes and Mikolas, who could be dark horses in the free agency market 
. for me, it's all about finding that balance between competing with the big boys and having a solid farm system to fall back on 
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. Don't sleep on Zach Eflin or Tyler Anderson as midseason pickups 
But at the same time, if they're looking for someone with All-Star experience and can provide depth in the rotation, that's a solid move. Let's see more about this guy before I get too hyped. 
. I wish our school would allocate more resources towards our student-athletes' development and provide them with better facilities and training equipment 
can't predict if they'll be fully healthy by 2026. maybe they should just focus on getting some solid midseason depth? Tyler Anderson could be a great pick up, lefty starter who's not too old 
But what if I told you that sometimes it's not about finding the perfect starting pitcher, but about creating a team of players who mesh together? It's all about chemistry, baby! 
They need to find guys who'll complement each other, like the different notes on a piano keyboard. And hey, Zach Eflin as a reliever could be just what they need - a fresh perspective 
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. Maybe they can turn him around and get some value out of him 
. And what about Tyler Anderson, he's still got it at 35 years old 
. I think the Phillies should definitely look into adding another lefty to their rotation.
. And what if they don't sign Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto? That's like taking away our star players on the court 
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. And hey, Zach Eflin is like that one teammate who always comes through when you need him most 
. As long as our school's management is like, "Hey, we got this" 
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. Signing Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto will definitely help, but adding a reliable fifth starter or bringing back Ranger Suárez could be game-changers 
️. Tyler Anderson seems like a great option if they're open to another lefty in the rotation 
. I'd love to see them go for a pitcher who can provide midseason depth, like Nester Cortes or Miles Mikolas 
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