Following the Philadelphia Phillies' crushing defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS, there are a lot of questions that need to be asked by the organization.
The main one is whether this team can continue as they are, or if it needs to make major changes. There will be plenty of big decisions coming for the Phillies this offseason, including whether to move on from some key players over the last few years.
Jayson Stark of The Athletic looked at a lot of different players who are in flux for 2026, but one name he identified would be a tough one for Phillies fans to come to terms with. Stark believes the Phillies could move on from a beloved outfielder this offseason.
The Phillies could move on from beloved outfielder Brandon Marsh this winter
"What about Stott and Brandon Marsh?" Stark writes. "They feel more likely to stay than go. But Marsh feels less certain to stick around than Stott."
Moving on from Brandon Marsh would be a real sign of major changes coming to the Phillies. While letting players walk, or trading someone like Nick Castellanos are some of the often-discussed moves from the Phillies this winter, a Marsh trade would be a big change.
Stark goes on to explain why the Phillies could make such a decision regarding their beloved outfielder: "The Phillies obviously prefer Marsh in left field to center. But if they view (Justin) Crawford as their left fielder of the future, well, draw your own conclusions."
Trading Marsh would likely net a decent return, as the left-handed-hitting outfielder is under club control for the next two seasons. If the Phillies do move Marsh, they could either target prospects or look to improve areas of their big league roster right away.
Philadelphia is likely to look for new outfield help, along with exploring third base, designated hitter, bullpen, and potentially catcher help this winter.
JT Realmuto and Kyle Schwarber are free agents, and the Phillies' decision regarding both of them will liekly dictate what they do elsewhere in the offseason. But after three straight disappointing finishes in the playoffs, change is needed.
More: Kyle Schwarber gets emotional as free agency looms after Phillies’ NLDS heartbreak
Unfortunately for Phillies fans who've grown to love Marsh, he's an obvious candidate to be moved this offseason. This October, he had a .077 batting average and had a fielding error in Game 3 that let Mookie Betts turn a single into a triple.
In the year Marsh hit .280 with a .785 OPS. Those are good numbers, but his playoff performances the last two years - .077 average in each of the Phillies' last two series - should have the Phillies reconsidering his place on the roster.
He'll be 28 at the start of the 2026 MLB season, and with two years of control, would net the Phillies a strong return in a trade. Since coming to Philadelphia at the 2022 trade deadline, Marsh has been beloved by Phillies fans.
But, after multiple years of lackluster offensive performances in the playoffs and his inconsistencies in the regular season, it might be time to move on from Marsh. Stark believes that such a move isn't out of the question, especially if the Phillies need an everyday starting spot for Justin Crawford, the team's top outfield prospect.
Marsh's status will be one to follow as the offseason unfolds. While the Phillies could decide to keep him for another year or two, a trade is no longer out of the question after how the 2025 playoffs ended for the Phillies.
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- Orion Kerkering error, explained: How Phillies' crushing extra-innings gaffe delivered NLDS Game 4 to Dodgers
- Phillies manager Rob Thomson delivers clear message to Orion Kerkering after unforgettable collapse
- Phillies' J.T. Realmuto shuts down any free agency talk after loss vs. Dodgers
- Orion Kerkering holds back tears in reaction to Phillies’ season-ending error