The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired Jesús Luzardo from the Miami Marlins, a divisional rival, in exchange for a seemingly modest trade package that includes Starlyn Caba and another mid-tier prospect. While some potential suitors expressed concerns over Luzardo’s medical history, the Phillies opted to take the risk, securing a premier starting pitcher to strengthen their already formidable rotation.
Luzardo is under contract for two more years, though an extension remains a possibility. With no major free-agent signings so far, the Phillies have financial flexibility to make additional moves. One viable strategy could involve shedding underperforming contracts by trading them to rebuilding teams, a common practice in baseball. Such deals often allow the acquiring team to repurpose the contract as a trade asset later on, emphasizing the business nature of the sport.
Despite their strong roster, the Phillies face fierce competition in one of baseball’s most challenging divisions and must contend with powerhouses like the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL title next season. As things stand, they may still need to improve. Offloading some less productive players would be a solid first step toward closing the gap.
1. Phillies are ready to say goodbye to Taijuan Walker
Dave Dombrowski has shown as much loyalty as possible to Taijuan Walker, who has been a source of frustration for the Phillies over the past season and beyond. Walker is locked into a player-friendly contract, to put it mildly, that guarantees him $18 million over the next two seasons. While that figure might not be exorbitant in today’s free-agent market, Walker’s dismal 7.10 ERA last season explains why many Phillies fans are eager to move on from him.
“He did not have a good year as we all know, so no need to pound that into it,” Dombrowski admitted after the season. “We have sat down with Taijuan. Before he left, he was given a very detailed program from a conditioning and throwing perspective. Not that he’s in bad condition, but to get him ready to try to be the pitcher that he was in the past.”
Dombrowski stated that Walker would have an opportunity to compete for a rotation spot in spring training—or another role on the team, potentially in long relief—but that scenario seems increasingly unlikely following the addition of Jesús Luzardo. With Andrew Painter expected to return to full health and poised to make his MLB debut, Walker’s place on the roster is even more uncertain.
Given that Walker is not part of the Phillies’ long-term plans, he would benefit from a fresh start with a team that can afford the luxury of an expensive stopgap option.
2. Austin Hays is a free agent and won’t return to the Phillies
The Phillies brought in Austin Hays as part of their plan to bolster the outfield, but injuries, particularly to his hamstring, derailed those hopes. Following a lackluster 2024 season, it’s evident that Dave Dombrowski does not see Hays as a cornerstone of the team’s future. As Todd Zolecki of MLB.com noted, it came as little surprise when Hays was non-tendered ahead of free agency.
“Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski hinted several times since the end of the season that he would not return, frequently mentioning Nick Castellanos and Marsh as being part of the 2025 outfield plans—although either could be traded if the right deal comes along. Dombrowski mentioned Johan Rojas, too, albeit with the caveat that he will need to earn a spot in the spring,” Zolecki wrote.
While the Phillies face significant uncertainties in their outfield, Dombrowski has made it clear he favors Castellanos, Marsh, and even Rojas over Hays, the 2023 Orioles All-Star whose performance has fallen short of that level since.
3. Alec Bohm is the next Phillies trade asset on the outs
The Phillies sound set to sell high on third baseman Alec Bohm. While I don’t particularly share their affinity for Nolan Arenado or other available corner infielders, Bohm is coming off his best season, as he had 3.0 WAR and 97 RBIs, both career highs. If the Phillies believe Bohm has peaked, dealing him now makes the most sense, especially if they can get a replacement and more MLB-ready talent in return.
Bohm was floated in trades for starting pitchers before they acquired Luzardo, so another such move sounds off the table now. Perhaps the Phillies will pivot entirely and keep their infield core in tact, which would include Bohm for next season. I’d expect another approach altogether, though.
Despite having a top-tier starting rotation, the Phillies have holes in the outfield and the bullpen. It’s why they’ve been linked ro Jordan Romano, for example. Bohm is valuable enough on the trade market to get the job done without over-spending or getting into a bidding war with other contenders.
