The Philadelphia Phillies barely created a ripple in free agency this past offseason, but could the tides change dramatically after the 2025 campaign?
The Phillies have over $75 million coming off the books this season as several players hit the open market, including slugger Kyle Schwarber and backstop J.T. Realmuto.
While both veterans have expressed desire to remain in Philadelphia beyond 2025 — with the Phillies reportedly interested in extension talks — nothing is guaranteed. Age factors into the equation as well, with Realmuto turning 35 heading into the 2026 season and Schwarber reaching 33.
The 2025-26 free agent class promises to deliver a treasure trove of talent ready to cash in. Premier names include Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, Dylan Cease, Michael King, and the Phillies’ own All-Star pitcher Ranger Suárez.
Will Philadelphia sign one of those names? One respected MLB insider believes they will.
MLB insider projects Phillies to sign All-Star to mammoth deal
The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, former MLB general manager turned analyst, predicts the Phillies will secure three-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker with a contract that would reshape the franchise’s future.
“After a strong season with the Cubs, Kyle Tucker signs a 14-year, $604 million contract with the Phillies in free agency. The deal includes significant deferrals,” Bowden projects.
The Chicago Cubs acquired Tucker in a blockbuster trade with the Houston Astros, surrendering All-Star infielder Isaac Paredes and prospects Cam Smith and Hayden Wesneski. The Phillies reportedly tried to acquire Tucker by offering Alec Bohm and Nick Castellanos but were rebuffed by the Astros.
Tucker, who’ll enter next season at just 29 years old, has cemented himself among baseball’s elite hitters. Through eight seasons, he’s belted 125 home runs while slashing .274/.353/.515 with a 139 OPS+ and accumulating 22.8 bWAR.
For the Phillies, adding Tucker would provide the lineup with another dangerous middle-of-the-order bat alongside Bryce Harper while simultaneously upgrading the outfield with his Gold Glove-caliber defense.
While next year’s free agency remains distant on the horizon, Phillies fans can’t help but dream about the prospect of adding a cornerstone talent like Tucker to an already formidable roster.
