Amazing News: The Phillies Intend to Draft additional Arms and make further Changes

During the MLB Winter Meetings, the Philadelphia Phillies will have to make difficult decisions.

Dave Dombrowski is always looking for ways to enhance the team, and that doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon. The Phillies don’t have a lot of holes to fill, as evidenced by their performance in 2023.

Of course, any team can improve its roster, but Philadelphia has a strong one. If there are holes in the lineup, adding an outfielder and another arm to the rotation and bullpen wouldn’t hurt.

Alex Coffey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports what Dombrowski’s looking for during the offseason:

“Dombrowski says the Phillies are ‘exploring’ and are trying to be open minded to players who can improve their club around the edges. He anticipates that they will add a bullpen arm this winter. He mentioned OF as another area where they could add, if they find the right fit.”

For a contending team, pitching is always at a premium. If the Phillies can add a legitimate arm for the right price, the front office will make the move. As we’ve seen from Philadelphia in recent offseasons, this team is aggressive.

Championship windows don’t come around every few years, and the Phillies are in one now. Given their payroll with Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, and Aaron Nola making as much as they are, why not spend more if it sets the team up with a chance to win the World Series?

There are many options for the team this offseason. With star names and other pieces that can push them over the edge, expect Philadelphia to be aggressive if the opportunity presents itself.

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The Phillies have extended Rob Thomson’s contract

On Monday, Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson received a contract extension for one additional year. With this extension, Thomson is now under contract through the 2025 season. After taking over for Joe Girardi during the 2022 season, Thomson led the Phillies to a World Series appearance. The success led to Thomson being named the full-time manager with a contract that ran through 2024. Through the 2023 season, Thomson has a 155-118 regular season record as Phillies manager. In the postseason, Thomson has a 19-11 record with one World Series appearance.

Rob Thomson Receives Contract Extension Impacts

As a result of this extension, Thomson will head into the 2024 season knowing there is additional time on the contract. This is a smart move by the Phillies to ensure he does not start the season as a potential lame-duck manager. The impact Thomson has had on the Phillies clubhouse has been enormous. Most of the players on the roster will be happy about this decision. Time will tell if the decision works out in the long run, but right now it looks very good. As a successful, contending team, the Phillies must have some stability at the manager position beyond next season.

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski giving Thomson the extension now will eliminate any potential worries about the contract situation. It would not be surprising if Thomson manages the Phillies well into the future, especially if his success continues. In some ways, it is a surprise that the extension is for only one year. Regardless of the length, it is best for both sides that the deal has been made. Now Dombrowski and Thomson can shift their attention to free agency and the trade market. Heading into the 2024 season with Thomson still at the helm makes the Phillies major contenders.