What should the Phillies moves be AFTER the Winter Meetings?

Going into the Winter Meetings, Phillies fans were hopeful for a major move from General Manager Dave Dombrowski. Historically, Dombrowski has used the Winter Meetings to either initiate conversations about acquiring big-name players or sign high-upside talent. Notable players brought in during this time include Matt Strahm, Trea Turner, Zack Wheeler, and Andrew McCutchen. Perhaps the most significant moment for Phillies fans came after the Winter Meetings when the first confirmed rumor surfaced that Bryce Harper was interested in joining the team. With superstar Juan Soto on the free-agent market this year, anticipation was high for what Dombrowski might cook up.

Now, on December 16th, Phillies fans are questioning why Dombrowski didn’t make a major move. His only acquisition so far has been 31-year-old closer Jordan Romano, who struggled with injuries in 2024 but was highly effective in previous seasons. This raises the question: what should be next on Dombrowski’s list of offseason priorities?

Before diving into these scenarios, I must emphasize how critical it is to re-sign Jeff Hoffman. He was a key contributor in the bullpen throughout the season and consistently improved as the year progressed. Regardless of which scenario unfolds, retaining Hoffman should be a top priority.

Scenario one: If Dombrowski decides to stick with minor moves and keep the current roster intact, it would be my least favorite scenario. While I appreciate the chemistry and camaraderie this team has built, it’s time to fully commit to winning by adding the best players who align with our competitive timeline. That said, one positive aspect of this approach would be the opportunity to see our young prospects take the next step. Players like Justin Crawford, Aiden Miller, and Andrew Painter have been rapidly climbing through the minors and are proving they are close to MLB-ready.

Scenario two: With Kyle Tucker already off the trading block, the pool of available players who fit the Phillies’ competitive window is shrinking. However, Cody Bellinger from Chicago and Nolan Arenado from St. Louis remain intriguing options. Acquiring either player would likely involve trading Alec Bohm and a few other prospects, though keeping Justin Crawford out of the deal should be a priority unless the return is overwhelming. Bellinger’s versatility would be a huge asset, as he can play anywhere in the outfield and give Bryce Harper a break at first base. The short porch in right field at Citizens Bank Park would also amplify Bellinger’s power-hitting potential. Arenado, meanwhile, offers an elite glove at third base and a consistent bat that thrives in hitter-friendly parks like Citizens Bank. His willingness to play first base adds further flexibility, allowing Harper to focus on hitting or rest when needed.

Scenario three: This scenario is my favorite, though it would require several steps to pull off. First, trade Alec Bohm and Starlyn Caba to the Cubs for Seiya Suzuki. With the Cubs recently trading their former third baseman Isaac Paredes for Kyle Tucker, their third base spot is now wide open. The second, more ambitious part of this plan is signing Roki Sasaki. Sasaki’s agent has indicated that he’s considering offers from medium and small-market teams in addition to larger-market franchises. In my opinion, having Suzuki already in Philadelphia could make the Phillies more attractive to Sasaki. A similar situation unfolded last offseason when Yamamoto chose the Dodgers over the Phillies, in part because Shohei Ohtani was already on their roster. Signing Suzuki could create the same kind of appeal. For third base, I’d recommend signing Josh Rojas to a smaller deal while waiting for Aiden Miller, a rising minor league star, to make his debut midseason.

With all of these scenarios, one thing remains clear: Dave Dombrowski needs to take action this offseason. While I truly love this team and the joy they bring to the field, it’s time to prioritize winning a championship for Bryce Harper, Zack Wheeler, and the other players whose prime years are slipping away. Their time with the Phillies deserves to be meaningful, and the window of opportunity to deliver a title is closing. It’s crucial to make every move count to ensure their legacy and the team’s is secured.