Dombrowski's approach to offseason: 'Open-minded to exploring'

PHILADELPHIA – Dave Dombrowski talked Tuesday morning at Citizens Bank Park about adjustments, overhauls, cores, windows and more.

He spoke for more than 45 minutes following last week’s loss to the Mets in the NL Division Series. The Phillies won 95 games in 2024. They won their first NL East title since 2011. But they also fell short of the third World Series championship in franchise history, which had been everybody’s expectation since they fell one victory short of winning their second consecutive NL pennant last year.

So, now what?

What do the Phillies do in the offseason to give them a better chance next October?

“To me, the answer is not the missing piece,” Dombrowski said. “The answer is playing well at the right time. I don’t think there’s any secret formula. I take my responsibilities. I’m sure Rob Thomson takes his responsibilities. But sometimes you play well and sometimes you don’t.”

Dombrowski declined to get into specifics about the team’s offseason focus, but it’s clear they can use at least another bat, more starting pitching depth and another reliever or two in the event they don’t re-sign free agents Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez.

Dombrowski said he could see the Phils signing one of them, but not both.

“I mean, the reality is, we have a lot of good players,” he said. “I think we just have to be open-minded to exploring what’s out there for us, talk to some clubs and see what ends up happening. That process hasn’t started. Sometimes you trade good players for good players.”

Here were some key points of discussion from Dombrowski, who announced that Thomson received a contract extension through 2026 and that the entire coaching staff will return next season:

Is this team good enough?

Dombrowski said several times that he believes this core is good enough to win a World Series. He recalled how his Red Sox teams got bounced quickly in the ALDS in both 2016 and 2017, then won the World Series in 2018.

He thinks the same can happen here.

“I do think it’s a club capable of winning a world championship,” he said.

But Dombrowski also knows he can’t “run it back” with the same roster in 2025.

“You’re also open-minded to making adjustments,” he said. “I think that’s a necessity. You want to get better. You’re never happy unless you win the whole thing. We didn’t win the whole thing. I think we have a real good core of players, but I think we’ll be open-minded to make our club better. That’s really our goal.

“I think the Phillies have a window to be a good club for years to come.”

OK, so what should fans expect?

The Phillies crossed the second luxury tax threshold in 2024. They will cross it again in 2025, barring something unforeseen. The Phillies were reluctant to cross the third threshold this year because it comes with severe penalties. If it still holds true, it is unlikely they will land another superstar player in the offseason.

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Of course, the Phillies will be linked to Juan Soto throughout the offseason, but it will be surprising if he signs here.

“I don’t think we need to have more star players,” Dombrowski said. “We have as many stars as about anybody in baseball. So I don’t think necessarily that you need to add more. John [Middleton] is very accommodating and giving, but you're also in a position where you're still working with a payroll. … Would you be open to it? Yes, but I think you have to be careful because sometimes it's not only the star players, it's also sometimes the supporting cast. And when you look at it again, we had eight All-Stars, right? I know they're not all veteran guys, but that's more than anybody in baseball.

“I don't necessarily think that the answer is always a star player. I'm not saying we won't get one, but I don't think it's a necessity by any means.”

So the fixes must come internally then?

Following the offense’s collapse in the final five games of the 2023 NLCS, the Phillies entered last offseason saying they would try to reduce their chase rate, use the whole field more, etc.

They enter this offseason looking for the same things.

“It’s something we’re cognizant of,” Dombrowski said. “It’s something we’ll continue to try to address. But the reality is, we have a good lineup.”

Could Trea Turner move to a different position?

Several questions centered on Trea Turner’s play at shortstop, and his inconsistencies at the plate. Dombrowski made it crystal clear that Turner will be the team’s shortstop in 2025, following outside speculation that the Phils could move him to a different position as they try to enhance their lineup.

No. 1 prospect Aidan Miller reached Double-A Reading this year, but Dombrowski said he doesn’t anticipate him helping next season. Miller plays shortstop, but he could play third or second base in the future, shifting positions like Bryson Stott.

Who’s in the outfield?

Dombrowski indicated that the Phillies are set in the infield with Bryce Harper, Stott, Alec Bohm and Turner and catcher J.T. Realmuto. But there could be changes in the outfield. Dombrowski said Nick Castellanos and Brandon Marsh figure to play significant roles next season, but he could not say the same for Austin Hays and Johan Rojas.

Hays spent most of his time with the Phillies sidelined with a kidney infection and hamstring and back issues. He is eligible for salary arbitration, but he could be non-tendered. Rojas played above-average defense in center field, but he did not produce enough offensively. He will spend the offseason in Clearwater, Fla., trying to improve his offense.

No. 3 prospect Justin Crawford is unlikely to open the season with the team, but he could push for a spot at some point.

Will the Phillies address their lack of starting pitching depth?

The Phillies were 45-19 on June 8 after beating the Mets in the London Series opener. They finished 51-51, including the NLDS. Dombrowski cited the team’s struggles with the No. 5 starter as one reason for the team’s 102-game malaise at the end.

“I’ll take the responsibility,” he said.

The Phillies tried to acquire Garrett Crochet from the White Sox before the July 30 Trade Deadline, but they considered the price to be too high. Taijuan Walker and a host of others pitched poorly in the No. 5 spot. A back injury to Ranger Suárez also hurt the team.

Dombrowski said they expect Walker to come to Spring Training and compete for the No. 5 job, but he must earn it. Andrew Painter could be in the mix at some point. But it seems likely the front office will bring in another starter or two (i.e. Spencer Turnbull types) to give them better insurance.