The Philadelphia Phillies lost Game 4 of the NLDS on a brutal walk-off error, the first time such a play has happened in MLB postseason history. It's another disappointing year for the Phillies, and something needs to change.
Following the brutal NLDS series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, there are a lot of questions that need to be asked. The Phillies need to reevaluate their roster and their coaching staff heading into next season. But, to what extent could those changes come to fruition?
According to Jayson Stark of The Athletic, such changes are likely to come for the Phillies. With owner John Middleton wanting to win the World Series and willing to spend to do so, the Phillies will be eyeing some changes this offseason.
Phillies' John Middleton expected to push for change this winter
"The Phillies have a principal owner," in John Middleton, who isn't going to take this well." Stark writes. "He's hyper-aware of his frustrated fan base, and he'll push for changes with his customers in mind."
This Phillies team has been together for a few years now, and they've continued to struggle in the playoffs. It's time for a change, and Middleton knows it.
He's in tune with the Phillies fan base and is expected to make a push for such changes this winter. There's plenty on the table for the Phillies to change, but the coaching staff is expected to stay the same.
Even though some in the Phillies fan base want Rob Thomson fired, along with some of the other coaches, the Phillies aren't likely to move on from those coaches. The $300 million-plus roster didn't perform up to standards, something not on Thomson's shoulders.
But the roster is very much in flux. Kyle Schwarber, JT Realmuto, Harrison Bader, Ranger Suarez, Jose Alvarado, and Max Kepler are all free agents after this season. Nick Castellanos and Alec Bohm are offseason trade candidates as well.
More: Phillies' J.T. Realmuto shuts down any free agency talk after loss vs. Dodgers
There are a few easy ways for the Phillies to make major changes, and with how disappointing the 2025 season ended, after the failures in 2023 and 2024, Middleton is likely to push for major changes to the team.
Sticking with this current core isn't good enough, evidenced by their continued failure in the playoffs. They have the tools to get there, but can't put it together when it matters most.
While Bryce Harper and Trea Turner need to be better, the Phillies still didn't get nearly enough from their other players. Even players like Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh could be on their way out. Looking at this roster, there shouldn't be too many players guaranteed to come back next season.
While Stott and Marsh will both likely be back, due to a lack of better options, their roster status for 2026 shouldn't be guaranteed.
The Phillies can't head into 2026 without making major changes. After three straight seasons of disappointment, the Phillies cannot sit on their hands and make minimal changes once again.
Middleton knows it, and as Stark mentions, the Phillies owner is going to push for such changes to be made this winter. Dave Dombrowski and the front office will be busy, as this offseason could make or break the Phillies success during the Bryce Harper era.
More Phillies News:
- Matt Strahm blasts MLB analyst after Phillies' NLDS loss
- Phillies' Bryce Harper shows he understands Philadelphia, unlike Nick Castellanos
- Orion Kerkering error, explained: How Phillies' crushing extra-innings gaffe delivered NLDS Game 4 to Dodgers
- Kyle Schwarber gets emotional as free agency looms after Phillies’ NLDS heartbreak
- Phillies manager Rob Thomson delivers clear message to Orion Kerkering after unforgettable collapse
- Orion Kerkering holds back tears in reaction to Phillies’ season-ending error