PHILADELPHIA — During a 45-minute session with reporters, Dave Dombrowski, the president of baseball operations, addressed the aftermath of a disappointing October while advocating for the status quo that has propelled the Phillies to three consecutive postseason appearances. He hinted at his thoughts without directly stating them.
Dombrowski supports his roster and has faith in the manager and coaching staff overseeing it. After spending five days meeting with various individuals, he sought to determine if a deeper issue was at play or if the Phillies simply faced unfortunate slumps in consecutive Octobers. On Tuesday morning, he responded to questions with the air of someone who understands the limitations of this roster, yet it is a roster that achieved the sixth-most wins in franchise history this season. The Phillies successfully maintained player health, showcased a Cy Young Award contender, and had four Gold Glove Award finalists (Zack Wheeler, Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Brandon Marsh). Additionally, they boasted eight All-Stars and featured two of the best left-handed hitters at the top of the lineup.
However, it was insufficient. Dombrowski, a seasoned executive not typically known for passivity in situations necessitating change, was evasive during most of those 45 minutes. On October 15, he was not inclined to reveal his plans.
He extensively discussed the importance of maintaining the current state. So, where can the Phillies enhance this win-now roster?
“Well, I’m not going to share all those details at this moment,” Dombrowski stated. “Because it’s easy for someone to interpret that as, ‘If you do this, then you’re getting rid of this player, right?’ The reality is we possess many good players. Therefore, we need to remain open-minded to exploring what options are available to us. We’ll engage in discussions with some clubs and see what unfolds. That process hasn’t begun yet. Sometimes, trading good players for other good players is necessary.”
Reading between the lines is not overly complex.
Changes are on the horizon; Dombrowski declined to outline his plan less than a week after the Phillies were eliminated. While he will need to be both innovative and cautious in modifying this roster, it is challenging to envision the Phillies maintaining the same level of continuity from 2023 to 2024.
Patience will be required to witness how the offseason progresses.
For the second consecutive October, Dombrowski refrained from granting Johan Rojas a starting position in the outfield and expressed confidence in Brandon Marsh’s potential as an everyday player. He acknowledged that it is unlikely the Phillies will re-sign both Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez, their two major impending free agents. He indicated it may be time to discuss reducing J.T. Realmuto’s games behind the plate. The team remains optimistic about Alec Bohm. Manager Rob Thomson, who had his contract extended by an additional year, suggested that Kyle Schwarber might bat lower in the lineup to create a different balance. He has speculated whether fatigue hindered the team during July and August and may consider providing hitters with more rest at the beginning of the season.
“We have a good ballclub,” Thomson expressed. “This is a championship roster. It truly is. Dave and the front office have done an excellent job. Yet we haven’t achieved our goal. I haven’t fulfilled my responsibilities either. Are we considering some adjustments for next year? We’ve already discussed it.”
Dombrowski is attentive to the commentary surrounding his team, a habit he has maintained throughout his long career in the sport. In the aftermath of last week’s Game 4 defeat to the New York Mets in the National League Division Series, a particular remark resonated with him.
“Personally,” Trea Turner said, “I think we get ourselves out. I don’t think it matters who’s on the mound.”
This insight led to more substantial conversations Dombrowski engaged in over the past five days.
“It’s a very enlightening comment,” Dombrowski remarked. “Because it rings true at times, and other teams are aware of that. Therefore, we need to continue working with these players to ensure they can make the necessary adjustments, preventing them from repeating those behaviors.”
Perhaps this will crystalize into a new offensive identity the Phillies hope to achieve while retaining much of the existing lineup.
“One aspect I’d like us to improve, which falls under (hitting coach) Kevin Long’s responsibilities, is utilizing the entire field more frequently,” Dombrowski stated. “At times, we became overly focused on pulling the ball, which I find concerning. During the postseason, many of our hits didn’t go the opposite way, and that’s a topic we’ve already addressed internally. Now, it’s crucial that the hitters embrace this mindset as well. They need to prepare themselves accordingly.”
If put into practice, this strategy would contrast with current trends in baseball. Teams have increasingly valued pull-side power due to its higher potential rewards. This season, the league recorded a .689 slugging percentage on pulls, compared to a .435 slugging percentage on balls hit straightaway and to the opposite field. Teams tend to produce less damage when utilizing the entire field.
It’s possible that a contact-centric approach may be re-emerging in baseball. The overall run-scoring environment within the sport has seen a downturn. Such trends often fluctuate cyclically. However, implementing this strategy with a lineup of established hitters, who typically resist change, will pose a significant challenge.
Dombrowski plans to be innovative in enhancing the roster. He has a vacancy in center field (or left field if Marsh shifts back to center). He may consider trading one of his more affordable regulars—either Marsh or Alec Bohm—combined with a prospect to secure a young, major-league hitter who fits better into the team’s needs. Multiple major-league sources indicated that during trade discussions in July, the Phillies were open to discussing every prospect in their farm system except for one: Andrew Painter.
Nonetheless, any new acquisitions—barring Juan Soto on one of the largest free-agent contracts in sports history—will likely be secondary to ensuring that current star hitters establish a more uniform identity.
“We truly need to encourage them to adopt a mentality of using the whole field,” Thomson noted. “I understand that everyone talks about chase rates. I believe that simply doing this will reduce the chase rate, as hitters will stay on the ball longer. In the playoff series, I reviewed all the Yankees’ base hits—they were all from gap to gap. If you can accomplish that, you’ll be prepared to handle pitches in any zone, especially off-speed pitches away.”
“These players are incredibly strong. Our power hitters have the capability to hit the ball out of any…
part of the ballpark. They just need to stay focused on the ball.”
The Phillies extended manager Rob Thomson’s contract through 2026. (Brett Davis / USA Today)
On Tuesday, Dombrowski arrived with insights. He observed that Mets hitters chased more pitches than the Phillies did. This postseason, the Phillies ranked in the middle of the pack regarding chase rates. While that is correct, it’s about more than merely chasing pitches outside the strike zone. The Phillies intend to play assertively. Dombrowski and Thomson hope to harness that aggressiveness through more effective strategies.
However, for almost two years, the Phillies have struggled to establish a dependable offensive identity. Long, one of the most esteemed hitting coaches in baseball, emphasizes the importance of timing for fastballs. The Phillies excelled in hitting fastballs… until they didn’t.
During the NLDS, the Phillies encountered 48 percent fastballs—be they four-seamers or two-seamers—a minor increase from the regular season. Nonetheless, they recorded a mere .169 batting average with a .282 slugging percentage against Mets fastballs. This was a startling deviation; the Phillies have typically maintained a strong offensive performance against fastballs over the past three seasons. They faced 49 percent fastballs in 2022, 49 percent in 2023, and 47 percent in 2024, achieving slugging percentages of .448, .464, and .454, respectively.
In the 2023 postseason, which also concluded in disappointment, they excelled against fastballs, achieving an impressive slugging percentage of .564. They faced a similar rate of fastballs in the strike zone year after year.
However, this October, they failed to capitalize on those pitches.
Realmuto encountered 15 fastballs in the zone during the NLDS and failed to record a hit from any of them. Bohm also struggled, seeing in-zone fastballs on 10 of his 39 pitches without a hit. Marsh faced 52 pitches during the series, with 17 categorized as in-zone fastballs. He managed just one hit from an in-zone fastball, an infield single. Bryson Stott confronted 24 fastballs within the strike zone out of 61 total pitches, resulting in only one hit—a single.
A more notable approach was taken with Turner. Last postseason, he confronted in-zone fastballs 25 percent of the time, accumulating eight hits, including three doubles and a homer, off those ideal pitches. However, against the Mets this time, Turner saw seven in-zone fastballs within 78 pitches (9 percent) and managed to put only two of them into play, both resulting in routine outs.
As for Schwarber, he encountered a greater number of fastballs in the zone this postseason compared to the previous two Octobers. He had dominated those fastballs in the 2023 postseason. Yet, in this NLDS
During his time at the plate, he faced in-zone fastballs 36% of the time, totaling 30 out of 84 pitches. In his initial two at-bats of the series, he managed to secure two hits, which included a home run and a single, off those fastballs. However, he went hitless with 28 additional fastballs that were in the zone.
To the Phillies, Schwarber represents the ideal player for their lineup. Last offseason, he focused on reducing his strikeouts, leading to an increase in his batting average by 51 points. His performance against left-handed pitchers improved as he began utilizing the entire field. This adjustment, however, came at the cost of some power.
This is a compromise the Phillies are willing to request from their hitters.
“When discussing the lineup and various strategies,” Dombrowski remarked, “sometimes it’s also about approaches. We feel more comfortable with Turner as a line-drive, doubles hitter, who can also occasionally hit home runs. Bryson Stott serves as another example. We expect him to be an on-base type of guy, not someone to hit 20 home runs. He can work the count and has a keen eye, even if it wasn’t evident this year. If both Turner and Stott adopt this approach, it can provide us added balance. Some of that improvement can come from within our team.”
However, some adjustments will need to occur externally. Dombrowski refrained from elaborating on this during Tuesday’s remarks, which is understandable. He wouldn’t want to convey any signs of concern to other teams, especially with the pressure from ownership for the organization to secure a championship. The Phillies are satisfied with their current roster. Naturally, they feel positive about it.
Nevertheless, changes are impending.
“Winning is challenging,” Dombrowski noted. “There are numerous strong teams out there. To be successful, you must be the club performing best at the right moment and perhaps get lucky a time or two. That’s what makes winning so rewarding. … We possess the talent to win. We can analyze it in various ways, and I know you will. But we certainly have the talent required for victory.”
(Top photo of Dave Dombrowski: Chris Szagola / Associated Press)
Philies’ Offseason Outlook: Examining Changes Ahead as Dombrowski Addresses Postseason Disappointment
Understanding the Postseason Disappointment
The Philadelphia Phillies faced significant disappointment in the recent postseason, falling short of their championship aspirations. As the team reflects on their performance, it’s essential to identify the key areas that need improvement. General Manager Dave Dombrowski is at the forefront of these changes, tasked with reshaping the roster and addressing the weaknesses that contributed to their early exit.
Key Factors Behind the Disappointment
- Inconsistent Offense: The Phillies struggled to maintain offensive momentum during critical playoff games.
- Poor Pitching Performance: Pitching depth proved inadequate against stronger opponents.
- Injury Issues: Key players faced injuries that hindered their postseason performance.
Strategic Moves for the Offseason
Dombrowski’s strategy for the offseason will focus on enhancing both the batting lineup and pitching staff. Below are some potential moves that could reshape the Phillies’ roster.
1. Targeting Free Agents
The Phillies should explore free-agent options to bolster their roster, particularly in areas where depth is lacking. Potential targets include:
| Player | Position | 2023 Stats | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shohei Ohtani | SP/DH | .273 AVG, 44 HR, 15 W | Two-way star, elite talent |
| Josh Hader | RP | 2.73 ERA, 34 SV | Shutdown closer |
| J.D. Martinez | DH | .275 AVG, 25 HR | Power hitter |
2. Trade Opportunities
Identifying potential trade targets is essential for a successful offseason. The Phillies could leverage some of their prospects to acquire established players who can help immediately. Potential trade targets include:
– **Luis Castillo (SP)**: A top-tier pitcher who could significantly strengthen the rotation.
– **Cody Bellinger (OF)**: A versatile outfielder who can contribute offensively and defensively.
Strengthening the Bullpen
The Phillies’ bullpen has been a point of concern, and improving this area will be critical. Here are some strategies to enhance the bullpen:
1. Adding Veteran Presence
Bringing in experienced relievers can provide stability. Options like Aroldis Chapman or Will Smith could bring valuable experience and leadership.
2. Developing Young Talent
Promoting promising prospects from the minor leagues can also bolster the bullpen. Players like Andrew Bellatti and Daniel Bard have shown potential and could step up in a more significant role.
Enhancing Offensive Production
The Phillies must focus on improving their offensive output. Here are some practical tips to achieve this:
1. Diversifying the Batting Order
Implementing a more flexible batting order can help leverage matchups against opposing pitchers. Consider:
– **Utilizing Left-Handed Hitters**: Enhance balance in the lineup against right-handed pitchers.
– **Speed on the Bases**: Incorporating faster players can create more scoring opportunities.
2. Fostering Player Development
Investing in player development programs can lead to improved performance. Focus areas should include:
– **Hitting Mechanics**: Enhancing swing techniques and approach at the plate.
– **Mental Game**: Building resilience and mental toughness to handle high-pressure situations.
Case Study: Successful Offseasons in the MLB
Analyzing past successful offseason strategies can provide the Phillies with a blueprint for their own improvements. Here are two notable examples:
1. Atlanta Braves (2021-2022 Offseason)
The Braves made strategic moves that revitalized their roster, including trading for outfielder Adam Duvall and closer Will Smith. Their approach paid off as they clinched the World Series title.
2. San Diego Padres (2020-2021 Offseason)
The Padres aggressively pursued high-impact players like Blake Snell and Yu Darvish, significantly upgrading their pitching staff. This strategy helped them become perennial contenders.
First-Hand Experience: Players’ Perspectives
Hearing from players can provide insight into the team’s dynamics and areas for improvement. During exit interviews, several players expressed their desire for enhanced team chemistry and a more cohesive approach to the game.
### Key Player Feedback
– **Bryce Harper**: Emphasized the need for a united front and consistent communication among teammates.
– **Zack Wheeler**: Highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong work ethic throughout the offseason.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Phillies
As the offseason unfolds, the focus will be on how effectively Dombrowski can navigate the market and implement the changes necessary to elevate the team. The Phillies have a solid core of talent, but strategic decisions in free agency and trades will be crucial to their success.
Monitoring Player Health
Keeping an eye on player health will also play a significant role in the Phillies’ future. Comprehensive health and fitness programs can mitigate injury risks and keep players in peak condition.
Building a Winning Culture
fostering a winning culture within the organization is essential. This includes instilling confidence in players, encouraging leadership, and creating an environment conducive to success.
Conclusion
The Philadelphia Phillies are at a pivotal moment as they look to rebound from postseason disappointment. With Dombrowski leading the charge, the offseason promises to be an exciting time filled with potential changes. By focusing on strategic acquisitions and enhancing player development, the Phillies can set themselves up for future success and make a strong push for the championship.
