Rob Thomson's response to Phillies 'running it back' isn't what fans want to hear

Matt Sullivan

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Rob Thomson's response to Phillies 'running it back' isn't what fans want to hear image

The Philadelphia Phillies' offseason has been a mixed bag so far. On one hand, they re-signed Kyle Schwarber and brought back J.T. Realmuto, but on the other, they lost Matt Strahm in a trade and Bo Bichette to the Mets.

With the roster as it is now, there are palpable concerns from fans that the Phillies are simply running it back in 2026.

But, Phillies manager Rob Thomson, in a recent interview shared by Luke Arcaini, pushed back on the idea that the Phillies are running it back. His comments are not what fans were hoping to hear.

Rob Thomson downplays 'running it back' Phillies concern

"We got three new relievers, a new right fielder, Crawford's gonna have every chance to play, probably got a rookie starting pitcher, we got Otto Kemp who wasn't here at the start of last year," Thomson said. "So we're turning over 20 to 25 percent of our roster. So if you think that's running it back... I don't know what to tell you."

Thomson is pushing back on the idea that the Phillies are running it back, emphasizing the team's outside additions this offseason.

They do have a new right fielder in Adolis Garcia, with Nick Castellanos expected to be cut or traded this offseason. Justin Crawford is expected to start in center field, with Harrison Bader not likely to come back.

Platooning in left field with Brandon Marsh is going to be Otto Kemp, who wasn't with the team for most of last season.

Add on that Andrew Painter might make his MLB debut in 2026, and on the trio of new relievers, headlined by Brad Keller, and the Phillies are making some changes to the roster.

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But the issue is that those changes all have some major downside. Garcia in right field hasn't been great recently, and the Phillies are banking on a major bounce-back from Garcia, which might not come.

Crawford and Painter are rookies and could very easily struggle to begin their MLB careers, and not be the upgrades or additions the Phillies were hoping for at both of those spots.

Kemp has proven he's a decent backup, but he was with the team last year and is part of the club running it back.

The trio of news relievers is nice, especially Keller, but it coincided with the team trading away Matt Strahm, one of their best relievers of the last few years.

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One of the main sticking points is Alec Bohm. Many fans wanted the Phillies to move on from him this offseason, but after missing out on Bichette, Bohm's job is all but safe.

Not much has changed from a year ago, other than the team having some younger, riskier options at key positions, and a few different veterans or depth options.

Thomson's trying to downplay that the Phillies aren't running it back, but it's hard not to see it as such with how the roster is currently constructed. This team can contend, but it's from an ideal roster, especially with not enough positive changes made this offseason.

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Contributing Writer