As the Philadelphia Phillies look to the future in 2025, there are a few players whose time with the team could be coming to an end due to age, performance, or financial considerations. Here are three Phillies who might not be back in 2025:
1. **Kyle Schwarber**
Kyle Schwarber has been a key part of the Phillies’ lineup since joining the team in 2022, providing power and leadership. However, his tenure with the Phillies may come to an end after 2024 for several reasons.
Firstly, Schwarber’s overall performance is becoming more inconsistent. While he can still hit home runs, his batting average and on-base percentage have been declining. His strikeout rate remains high, and his defense, primarily in the outfield, continues to be a liability. The Phillies’ front office may decide that Schwarber’s offensive contributions no longer outweigh his defensive shortcomings, especially if the team looks to get younger and more dynamic in the outfield. Additionally, Schwarber will be 31 in 2025, which could be seen as a natural time for the Phillies to seek more long-term stability in their lineup.
Financially, Schwarber’s contract could also be a factor. He’s owed a significant amount over the next few seasons, and if the Phillies are able to upgrade their roster or reduce payroll, moving on from Schwarber could be an attractive option. A declining player at a high salary is always a potential candidate for a trade or release, and the Phillies might prioritize reallocating funds to bolster pitching or address other positional needs.
2. **Gregory Soto**
Gregory Soto’s role in the bullpen has been a bit of a rollercoaster since joining the Phillies. While his stuff is undeniable—he features a high-velocity fastball and a nasty slider—his control issues have held him back. He often finds himself walking too many batters and struggling with command, which leads to untimely blowups in high-leverage situations.
Soto is arbitration-eligible, and his projected salary will likely rise significantly in 2025. If he doesn’t improve his consistency, the Phillies could opt to non-tender him or look for a trade partner. The bullpen is an area where the team has depth, and with the financial flexibility they will need to manage, Soto’s high cost without guaranteed performance might make him expendable.
3. **J.T. Realmuto**
J.T. Realmuto is widely regarded as one of the top catchers in baseball, but his age and the increasing cost of his contract could lead to his departure before the 2025 season. Realmuto will be 34 in 2025, and catchers tend to see significant declines in performance as they age. The Phillies may look to invest in a younger catcher who could provide similar offensive value while being more cost-effective in the long term. Additionally, Realmuto’s contract continues to carry a hefty price tag, and if the Phillies are looking to free up payroll for pitching or positional upgrades, his salary might become a stumbling block.
While Realmuto is still a top-tier catcher, the team’s evolving roster construction could lead to the decision to move on from him, especially if his performance starts to dip or the team opts for a more youth-oriented approach at the position.
While all three of these players have contributed significantly to the Phillies’ success, their futures with the team are uncertain as the organization continues to make strategic decisions about roster construction for the 2025 season.
