On ‍Tuesday at Citizens Bank Park, Dave ⁢Dombrowski and Rob Thomson will address the media for nearly an hour, answering questions about the Phillies’​ disheartening collapse in 2024, their lackluster performance in the NLDS against the Mets,⁣ and how they plan to reverse the downward trajectory they’ve encountered.

While ​specifics regarding individual players’ futures are not likely to be discussed—in line with the typical approach ‌of modern executives—it’s hard to imagine either of them⁢ will be overly diplomatic after⁢ this‍ season, which started with World Series aspirations and ended in disappointment.

The⁣ Phillies are confronting numerous questions and decisions‍ this offseason. ‍Among ​them:

How can they revamp the offense?

After largely retaining the same roster from ⁤2023 to 2024, it’s improbable they will do so again, especially with a record payroll and a limited window to achieve success ⁤with their current core, including Zack Wheeler, ​Bryce Harper, Aaron Nola, Trea ⁢Turner, ‌and others.

While Harper believes ‍his prime can extend for‍ another decade, and most of the players in the clubhouse will assert that they feel their competitive window remains open, such declarations are ‍typical in sports. Time is unyielding, and while it⁤ may be unspoken, it​ acts regardless. This ⁢particular group—comprising Wheeler, Kyle ⁤Schwarber, Nick Castellanos, and others‌ who are not under lengthy contracts—might have⁢ just seen their best⁤ opportunities slip by.

The offense ⁤needs a significant overhaul. Problems exist in ‍left field and‌ center field. Johan Rojas is an exceptional ​defender but likely only fits into a contender’s lineup if the other eight positions are ⁣consistently⁤ solid. While⁤ he is not⁤ the major culprit for ⁢the⁢ disappointing NLDS ‌performance, he represents an obvious ⁢starting⁣ point for contemplating offensive⁤ enhancements in a largely rigid lineup.

The situation regarding Brandon Marsh’s platoon also needs attention. ⁣While platoons ⁣can be effective—evident⁤ in the Mets’ use of Jesse Winker and ⁢J.D. Martinez—relying on multiple platoons across several positions invites complications. There were instances when the Phillies deployed three platoons simultaneously this season. Such a strategy demands a lot to work in harmony, often proving⁢ more effective in theory ⁢than in practice.

If Marsh remains as a platoon outfielder, ⁣his counterpart ⁣must be someone more successful than‍ Austin Hays. Although Hays’ underwhelming second half was partly due‌ to a kidney infection and hamstring ⁢strain, the Phillies can’t merely wait and hope for him to return ⁢to form ahead of 2025. Regardless of‌ Hays’ recovery, they need additional outfield support.

What roles will Bohm and Stott have?

Alec ⁤Bohm made the All-Star Game this season and ‌exhibited progress, despite a disappointing conclusion to his ‍year. He batted .280,⁣ achieved a career-high 44 doubles and a .779 OPS, and excelled with a ​.300 average with⁤ runners in scoring⁢ position.

However, he ⁤was ⁢benched ⁣during Game 2 ⁤of the⁢ NLDS due to ​a ⁤combination ‍of poor performances and responses to those‌ performances. It would have seemed ‌shocking​ earlier this season to think he would be benched during playoff ‍action, ⁣making it hard not to consider what this means for his future. With ⁤the Phillies committed to starters at seven‌ positions, reconfiguring the‌ offense will necessitate creative solutions.

After the season ended, Bohm⁣ was asked⁣ if he felt at a pivotal point ⁢in his career.

“No. I know where I’ll be next year,” he ⁢responded, suggesting that he would remain in Philly.

Stott, on the other hand, struggled this season, hitting only .200 in 160 at-bats ‍against ⁤fastballs clocked ‌at 93 mph‌ or more. Last year, he boasted a .319 average in​ a larger sample. ⁢He faced challenges⁢ catching up to sharper pitches, and the Phillies need to swiftly determine whether this issue can be resolved or if it may significantly impact his potential.

Will ‌Hoffman return?

Jeff Hoffman posted an ‌impressive 1.65 ERA heading into the final weekend of the regular season, but then faltered, allowing 10 runs in just 2⅓ innings, contributing to two of the⁤ Phillies’‌ three playoff defeats.

Now ‍a free agent, Hoffman’s performance during the regular season warrants a‍ substantial contract. However,‍ can the Phillies ⁢justify spending $12-13 million per ‌year on a three-year deal after witnessing his playoff​ struggles? Evaluating relievers can be tricky; a few poor outings can overshadow a number of positive performances, especially in high-pressure situations.

The Phillies have much to address this winter, and considering‍ the anticipated salary demand from ⁤Hoffman’s camp, it’s uncertain what they’ll decide.

Are defensive changes necessary?

Since his signing with the Phillies, Trea Turner has been among the​ least effective defensive shortstops in the league. In 2023, he led⁢ the majors⁤ with 23 errors,⁤ and in‌ 2024, he recorded ⁣17 errors in 35 fewer games with a similar fielding percentage.

The nature ⁣of the​ errors varies; ​some are routine ‌mishaps while others stem from⁤ poor throws. Turner remains an exceptional athlete, but shortstop may not be the best fit for him long-term. If the Phillies are serious about assembling the strongest possible roster for 2025, they may need to consider shifting Turner from shortstop.

This would‍ not be an easy decision, especially given that he has just two years⁢ left‍ on an 11-year contract. Turner was not brought in⁣ for $300 million to play left field, center field,⁣ or second base. However, his shortcomings at shortstop might also contribute to better health and‌ performance over the full season.

What about the catching position?

Initially regarded as the best catcher in baseball when acquired from Miami, J.T. ⁣Realmuto was re-signed to a five-year, $115.5 million contract that extends through 2025.

However, he no longer occupies that top spot among ⁤catchers. While his overall skill ⁣set remains solid, his offensive production has declined.

From 2016 to 2022, Realmuto had ⁢a batting average of .278 with an .802 OPS, but in the last two seasons, he has fallen to a .258 average with a .757 OPS.

His ⁣postseason struggles continued, going 0-for-11 and lowering his​ playoff batting average to .216 with an on-base percentage of .295.

To ensure his effectiveness in ‌2025, the Phillies must keep him fresher. After playing 134, 139, and 135 games⁣ from 2021 to 2023, he may have reached similar numbers this season if not for a ‍meniscus injury.

It’s essential for the team to‍ find a capable backup for Realmuto, someone who could fill in⁤ for 50 games without a significant drop in production. Rafael Marchan, at 25, has ‌shown promise in ‌limited appearances, including a .294 average while filling in for Realmuto this summer.

Given Marchan’s history of injuries in the minors, he should be prepared ​to take⁤ on‍ the backup role. However, if the ​Phillies⁤ decide‍ to leverage him as a trade asset, they will need to look for another backup option.

As spring training approaches,⁣ the Phillies will be ⁤faced with numerous challenges in the four months leading up to pitchers and catchers reporting to Clearwater. Many of these questions will be posed to ‌Dombrowski and Thomson at the upcoming press conference, arriving much ‌sooner than they would have wished.