‘I can’t say we ever thought that finishedDombrowski said when asked if he felt they had reached an agreement with Bichette. “We thought we were very close to a deal. We thought it would happen, but it didn’t. … Until you sign a Memo of Understanding, no deal has been made – and we have signed no such agreement. It wasn’t like we weren’t going that way. It’s not like we didn’t think we’d get there. But we haven’t gotten that far yet.”
The talks with Bichette were so serious that Dombrowski acknowledged informing Realmuto’s camp that they would likely go in a different direction and would not be able to make both contracts happen at this time. When they learned of Bichette’s deal with the Mets, Dombrowski said he was back on the phone with Realmuto and his agent within about an hour — his only call in between was to owner John Middleton, updating him on the situation. The veteran baseball executive admitted that it’s a “gut feeling” any time free agent or trade negotiations get to that stage and don’t culminate in a deal before adding, “You can’t just wallow in what happened” and that he simply had to “shake it off” and keep trying to improve his club. Notably, he added that the Phils were never interested in a short-term, opt-out-laden contract with Bichette.
Given that the Phillies were willing to offer Bichette a reported $190-200 million over seven years, it’s fair to wonder if there might be some additions. After all, Realmuto owned less than 25% of that amount in total. However, Dombrowski at least strongly suggested his club is ready to spend significantly this winter. When asked about the continued availability of impact names such as Framber Valdez And Cody BellingerDombrowski declined to discuss specifics about a particular free agent, but said:
“I really can’t talk about that, given the rules of baseball — because they’re free agents — but I would just say I think we’re happy with where we are right now.”
With Realmuto back in the fold, the Phillies’ current payroll is (as projected by RosterResource) sits at just over $281 million. They have more than $317 million in luxury liabilities, meaning they would have to pay a 110% tax on any subsequent additions to the roster. Based on Bichette’s pursuit, it appears Middleton was willing to move beyond the current roster price, but not that the Phillies have the proverbial money burning in their pockets.
That doesn’t mean there isn’t room for some smaller additions. Dombrowski alluded to the potential of bringing some depth options to the rotation. He also candidly confirmed that the team plans to move on Nick Castellanos in some capacity. Castellanos is owed $20 million this season — the last of a five-year, $100 million contract signed in the 2021-2022 offseason. Asked him point blank if he was still “expecting”.[s] to make a change of scenery [for Castellanos] before spring training starts,” Dombrowski responded, “Yes, we do. We still plan to do that.”
It has been assumed for months that there will be a change of scenery. The Athletic’s Matt Gelb reported early in the winter that the Phils would likely trade or release Castellanos. The latter has seemed more likely all along, if only because finding a buyer for even a portion of Castellanos’ salary is a tall order. The 33-year-old (34 in March) hit .250/.294/.400 with 17 home runs last season – about 10% worse than league average as measured by wRC+. That lack of offensive help has been accompanied by more bottom-level defense in the outfield, the second-worst walk rate and average exit velocity of his career, and the lowest number of big hits he’s ever posted.
It’s possible that as spring approaches, the Phillies might find a buy-low taker willing to pay a few million of the deal. Even if someone were to take on $2 million of that remaining $20 million, that would effectively cut $4.2 million from the Phillies’ 2026 budget, given the aforementioned 110% tax they pay on every dollar above the highest luxury threshold. Clubs like the Pirates, Reds and Royals have spent the offseason looking for more bats and could theoretically roll the dice on a hopeful rebound. Other clubs may come calling if they suffer injuries during spring training. For now, Castellanos remains on the roster.
Another notable takeaway from today’s media session was a brief update on the injured ace Zack Wieler. The 35-year-old right-hander underwent thoracic surgery in late September and a timeline for his return was murky. That’s still generally true, but both Dombrowski and Thomson noted that Wheeler threw from a flat surface and reached out to 100 feet. Thomson added that Wheeler had a “heavy” workload last week and is expected to be at the team’s spring complex Thursday for more throws.
“No timetable, but so far the reports are good,” Thomson said of his veteran righty.
Wheeler was diagnosed with venous thoracic outlet syndrome late in the season. It is an ominous injury, but the less severe form of TOS (as opposed to neurogenic TOS). Venous TOS is associated with blood clots that can be life-threatening, but like D-backs are justified Merrill Kelly explained a “more straightforward” diagnosis and recovery to the Washington Post’s Jesse Dougherty several years ago. (Kelly pitched nearly a full season in 2021, the year after his venous TOS procedure, and has since done the best work of his career over the past four seasons.)
The original timetable for Wheeler was six to eight months, although each rehabilitation process is unique and dependent on the individual pitcher’s body. It’s encouraging that Wheeler appears to be on the right track, but the fact that he’s not yet working off a mound with just three weeks before pitchers and catchers report doesn’t bode well for reaching the shorter end of that window. A six-month return would have put Wheeler in games in late March, just before opening day. Eight months would take him back to around Memorial Day weekend. The Phillies will certainly get plenty of updates as spring training progresses.
In Wheeler’s absence, Cy Young will be at second in Philadelphia’s rotation Christopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, Aaron Nola And Taijuan hiker. Top prospects for years Andreas Schilder He is currently the favorite for the fifth spot, but he has yet to make a major league debut and struggled in Triple-A last year during his return season from Tommy John surgery. Right-handers Yoniel heals, Alan Rangel And Johannes Cabrera are all on the 40-man roster, but none of that trio has a Major League start to their credit. Adding at least one veteran swingman or starter, if not two, seems like a sensible course of action, even if it’s only a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.
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