ORLANDO, Fla. — The Phillies left the Winter Meetings with their most predictable piece of business behind them and a sharper picture of what remains.
Kyle Schwarber’s return was the headline they expected to write all week, and once it became official, the rest of their offseason instantly came into focus. The next two decisions — catcher and outfield — will determine what kind of team they bring to Clearwater in February.
The negotiation with J.T. Realmuto is now the centerpiece of the Phillies’ winter. It’s the decision everything else orbits. Industry evaluators believe a three-year deal may be required to keep him, and the Phillies have every incentive to pursue it. The alternatives are thin to the point of disappearing. The free-agent catching class lacks a single everyday-caliber option. The trade market is volatile and expensive. And internally, Rafael Marchan and Garrett Stubbs remain valued depth pieces, not postseason anchors. One rival executive put it plainly: the Phillies are built to win in October, and Realmuto is the only catcher available who fits that mission.
What comes next is the part everyone around the team sees coming: a separation from Nick Castellanos. Both sides know the trajectory. The challenge is financial. Castellanos is owed $20 million in 2026, and multiple league sources believe the Phillies will likely need to absorb most of that salary in any trade.
That reality limits the return and all but guarantees the Phillies will need an affordable external solution to play right field.
Internally, they have options — just not answers.
Weston Wilson brings versatility. Rookie Justin Crawford is one of the organization’s most exciting young talents, and officials remain high on his long-term ceiling, though quiet concerns linger about whether his defense is truly major-league ready. Johan Rojas offers elite speed and Gold Glove-level defense, but his lapses and inconsistent bat remain obstacles. Otto Kemp impressed early after his call-up before pitchers adjusted and exposed areas that need refining. Brandon Marsh is the most stable of the group but may fit best in left field depending on how the outfield reshuffles.
That uncertainty is why the Phillies are actively shopping the free-agent market for a right fielder who can provide stability and flexibility. Harrison Bader remains an appealing fit in style but not at his current asking price of close to $30 million over three years. Michael Conforto brings a career OPS+ of 115 but is coming off a 79 OPS+ season and bats left-handed, which doesn’t solve the balance issue. Adolis García may be the most logical short-term match: a right-handed hitter with power, defense, and a track record of producing even while banged up. A one-year deal could make him an ideal bridge. Mike Yastrzemski’s late surge in Kansas City renewed his value, though again the left-handed bat makes him less ideal.
So, the Phillies leave Orlando with Schwarber secured but the toughest questions still unanswered. They need to resolve the Realmuto negotiations. They need to complete a Castellanos trade that will almost certainly require them to swallow significant money. And they need a right fielder, ideally a right-handed bat, who fits both their budget and their competitive window.
The Meetings didn’t close the book on their offseason. They opened the most critical chapters.
Rule 5 Notes
The Phillies watched one pitching prospect head out the door Wednesday — and immediately brought in another they believe can help in 2026. In the Major League phase of the Rule 5 Draft, Philadelphia lost right-hander Griff McGarry to the Nationals. Once a top arm in the system, McGarry finally stabilized in 2025 after two uneven years, delivering a 3.44 ERA, 124 strikeouts, and a 1.22 WHIP over 21 starts. Despite the progress, the Phillies chose not to add him to the 40-man roster, leaving him available for selection. Under Rule 5 rules, he must remain on Washington’s active roster for the full season or be offered back to Philadelphia.
With their own pick, the Phillies selected 26-year-old right-hander Zach McCambley from the Marlins. Coming off a breakout year featuring a 2.90 ERA, 2.60 FIP and 12.05 K/9 across Double-A and Triple-A, McCambley’s fastball–slider combination and strikeout ability give him a real chance to stick in the big-league bullpen.
Trade with Tampa
The Phillies added a high-upside bullpen arm Wednesday, acquiring right-hander Yoniel Curet from the Rays for reliever Tommy McCollum.
Curet, 23, is pitching in the Dominican Winter League and spent 2025 across three levels in Tampa Bay’s system. He was designated for assignment earlier this week. Though he struggled at Triple-A, he still features a lively fastball, carries a remaining minor-league option, and entered 2025 as the Rays’ No. 2 pitching prospect per FanGraphs.
McCollum, 26, had a strong year for the Phillies, working mostly at Double-A Reading. He posted a 3.07 ERA, 1.114 WHIP and 12 saves over 55 2/3 innings.
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