<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/3-perfect-alec-bohm-destinations-if-phillies-trade-infielder');   ga('set', 'title', '3 perfect Alec Bohm destinations if Phillies trade infielder');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/X-perfect-Alec-Bohm-destinations-if-Phillies-trade-infielder.jpg"></figure><h1>3 perfect Alec Bohm destinations if Phillies trade infielder</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-27T14:34:48-07:00">October 27th, 2:34pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-27T14:34:48-07:00">October 27th, 2:34pm</time><address><a>Garrett Kerman</a>Garrett Kerman also goes by the name of The Fight Analyst. He covers all combat sports, from MMA, to boxing, to even bare-knuckle. He is also very well-versed in all American sports when it comes to news and betting analysis. Whether you want betting advice or some breaking news, Garrett is your guy.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Detroit Tigers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Philadelphia Phillies appear poised to make significant roster changes this offseason, and third baseman <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-rumors-alec-bohm-emerges-potential-offseason-trade-candidate">Alec Bohm is emerging as one of the most likely trade candidates</a>. After averaging 16 home runs and 89 RBIs over a 162-game span during his five-year tenure in Philadelphia, the 29-year-old has essentially plateaued as a slightly above-average player. With premium free agents like Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette available to upgrade the hot corner, trading Bohm—who has one year of team control remaining—makes strategic sense for a Phillies organization looking to retool their roster.​</p><p>Multiple MLB executives believe Philadelphia will finally pull the trigger on dealing Bohm after holding onto him through previous trade deadlines. The former All-Star’s value has dipped following a regression in 2025, when he batted .287 with just 11 home runs and 59 RBIs across 120 games—a significant drop from his 2024 campaign. However, his team control through 2026 and proven ability to produce consistent offensive numbers still make him an attractive target for teams seeking third base help without breaking the bank.​</p><h2>Los Angeles Angels: Perfect Fit for Both Sides</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bohm-swings_8b1e6f.jpg"><figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Angels have been explicitly named as Bohm’s best trade fit by industry insiders, and the reasoning is straightforward. Los Angeles hasn’t had a player log 100 games at third base since Yunel Escobar in 2016, and they’ve invested nearly $300 million in failed solutions at the position over the past decade. With both Yoán Moncada and Luis Rengifo becoming free agents after 2025, the Angels desperately need a reliable third baseman for 2026.​</p><p>Bohm would provide immediate offensive stability while the Angels’ top prospect Denzer Guzman continues developing in the minor leagues. The 29-year-old’s contact-oriented approach and ability to drive in runs would complement an Angels lineup that needs consistency more than pure power. Los Angeles also has financial flexibility with approximately $45-50 million available to spend this offseason, making Bohm’s projected $10.25 million arbitration salary easily manageable.​</p><p><b>Trade Package:</b></p><p><b>Phillies receive</b>:</p><ul><li>OF Taylor Ward</li></ul><p><b>Angels receive</b>:</p><ul><li>3B Alec Bohm</li></ul><p>This trade addresses needs for both organizations. Ward gives Philadelphia a .275 career hitter with 20-home run power and outfield versatility, helping replace potential departures while adding a player with one year of team control. The Angels get their third baseman while adding organizational depth in Arias, a toolsy outfield prospect who could develop into a valuable asset.​</p><h2>Seattle Mariners: Filling the Eugenio Suárez Void</h2><p>The Mariners face a significant decision at third base with Eugenio Suárez expected to depart in free agency after his heroic postseason performance. While Seattle has top prospect Colt Emerson developing as their long-term solution, the organization appears reluctant to rush him to the majors in 2026. Bohm represents an ideal bridge option—a productive veteran who can handle everyday duties without requiring a long-term commitment.​</p><p>Seattle’s anemic offense at third base posted just a .687 OPS during the 2025 season, and the Mariners desperately need consistent run production to support their elite pitching staff. Bohm’s ability to hit for average and drive in runs fits perfectly in a lineup that struggles with contact and situational hitting. His projected salary also aligns with Seattle’s measured approach to spending, allowing them to allocate resources elsewhere.​</p><p><b>Trade Package:</b></p><p><b>Phillies receive</b>:</p><ul><li>RHP Bryce Miller</li><li>RHP prospect Michael Morales</li></ul><p><b>Mariners receive</b>:</p><ul><li>3B Alec Bohm</li></ul><p>This blockbuster addresses Philadelphia’s need for a young, controllable starting pitcher while giving Seattle their third baseman. Miller, 27, posted a 5.68 ERA with 74 strikeouts across 18 starts in 2025 and has three years of team control remaining. Morales, Seattle’s No. 4 prospect, adds another high-upside arm to the Phillies’ system. The Mariners receive Bohm as their everyday third baseman.</p><h2>Detroit Tigers: Upgrading the Hot Corner</h2><p>The Tigers desperately need a third base upgrade after Zach McKinstry’s surprising 2025 All-Star season proved to be an outlier rather than a trend. McKinstry struggled mightily down the stretch and was nearly invisible during Detroit’s playoff run, exposing the position as a critical weakness. With the Tigers looking to build on their unexpected postseason appearance and challenge for the AL Central title, adding a proven run producer like Bohm makes perfect sense.​</p><p>Detroit’s front office has shown willingness to make bold moves, as evidenced by their aggressive pursuit of talent at previous trade deadlines. Bohm’s left-handed bat would provide balance to a Tigers lineup that needs consistent offensive production beyond their young core. His contact skills and ability to drive the ball to all fields would play well at Comerica Park, and his defensive improvements at third base have made him a serviceable option at the position.​</p><p><b>Trade Package:</b></p><p>Phillies receive:</p><ul><li>3B Jace Jung</li></ul><p>Tigers receive:</p><ul><li>3B Alec Bohm</li></ul><p>This straightforward swap allows the Tigers to win now while giving Philadelphia a young infielder with upside. Jung, 24, struggled in limited MLB action during 2025 but remains one of Detroit’s top prospects with a patient approach and gap power. The Tigers get their everyday third baseman without surrendering their elite prospects, allowing them to remain competitive in 2026 while maintaining flexibility for future moves.​</p><p>All three destinations offer Bohm the fresh start that could reignite his career while addressing specific organizational needs. The Angels provide the most logical fit given their glaring hole at third base and willingness to take on his salary. The Mariners offer the most competitive situation with their strong pitching staff and playoff aspirations. The Tigers present an opportunity to be a key piece on a rising contender. For the Phillies, any of these trades would return valuable assets while clearing the path for either a free agent upgrade or internal development at the hot corner.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

3 perfect Alec Bohm destinations if Phillies trade infielder

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers/the-perfect-bryce-harper-trade-proposal-dodgers-must-offer-phillies');   ga('set', 'title', 'The perfect Bryce Harper trade proposal Dodgers must offer Phillies');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/The-perfect-Bryce-Harper-trade-proposal-Dodgers-must-offer-Phillies.jpg"></figure><h1>The perfect Bryce Harper trade proposal Dodgers must offer Phillies</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-27T08:06:40-07:00">October 27th, 8:06am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-27T08:09:45-07:00">October 27th, 8:09am</time><address><a>Garrett Kerman</a>Garrett Kerman also goes by the name of The Fight Analyst. He covers all combat sports, from MMA, to boxing, to even bare-knuckle. He is also very well-versed in all American sports when it comes to news and betting analysis. Whether you want betting advice or some breaking news, Garrett is your guy.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Dodgers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Even in an era defined by super-teams, Bryce Harper is the rare superstar who actually changes a contender’s identity overnight. For the Dodgers, pairing Harper’s elite on-base ability, left-handed thunder, and big-moment aura with Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman would create the most oppressive run-production machine in baseball. It is wildly ambitious and, yes, complicated. Harper’s contract runs through 2031 at a reasonable AAV for an inner-circle bat, and he possesses significant leverage over any move. Philadelphia loves him and rightly so. But if the Dodgers want to swing for a dynasty window, there is a version of a deal that honors the Phillies’ needs, respects Harper’s stature, and maximizes Los Angeles’s championship probabilities immediately and for years.</p><h2>Why Bryce Harper fits the Dodgers</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bryce-Harper-would-be-the-answer-to-the-Red-Sox-needs-at-first-base.jpg"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Los Angeles already bludgeons pitchers with depth, but Harper solves the last playoff-specific problem: swing-proof run creation against top-end right-handed velocity. He controls the zone, punishes mistakes to all fields, and elevates in October. A Harper–Ohtani–Betts–Freeman cluster would exhaust opposing bullpens, stretch pitch counts, and force managers into suboptimal matchup sequencing. He also adds positional flexibility. Since Tommy John, Harper has toggled between first base, corner outfield, and DH. On the Dodgers, he can live in right and DH while Betts handles the middle infield, preserving Freeman at first and letting Dave Roberts tailor lineups by series. Most importantly, Harper’s temperament matches the Dodgers’ mandate: embrace expectations and stack rings, not regular-season accolades.</p><p>Even beyond production, Harper’s combustive stage presence balances the Dodgers’ historically buttoned-up vibe. He invites chaos on their terms, absorbing pressure while teammates stay process-focused. In a city built on wattage, his brand elevates the clubhouse and the box office simultaneously, sharpening urgency without sacrificing the organization’s prized strengths: patience, preparation, and depth at every level.</p><h2>What would move Philadelphia</h2><p>Start with reality: the Phillies are trying to win the World Series every year, and Harper is their heartbeat, marketing engine, and postseason cheat code. Trading him only enters the realm of sanity if the return both extends their competitive window and cleans their books for a parallel star acquisition. They would need upper-rotation pitching they can control, a middle-of-the-order bat of the future, multiple near-ready talents, and meaningful salary relief. Taking on an underwater contract like Taijuan Walker’s would sweeten things. Just as important, the Dodgers must offer Harper a setting worthy of waiving any preferences: daily contention, bright lights, and a path to more October moments. This is not a prospect swap; it’s a franchise reorientation.</p><h2>The perfect trade proposal</h2><p>Here’s the framework that threads the needle on value, optics, and roster balance for both clubs.</p><p><b>Dodgers receive</b>:</p><ul><li>OF/1B Bryce Harper</li><li>RHP Taijuan Walker</li></ul><p><b>Phillies receive</b>:</p><ul><li>RHP Bobby Miller</li><li>C/DH Dalton Rushing</li><li>OF Andy Pages</li><li>OF Josue De Paula</li><li>RHP Gavin Stone</li><li>INF/OF Miguel Vargas.</li></ul><p>Dodgers assume 100% of Harper’s remaining salary through 2031 and Walker’s remaining contract.</p><p>No cash included by Philadelphia; Los Angeles adds conditional international bonus pool money if Harper records a top-five MVP finish in any of the next three seasons.</p><p>Harper approves destination and role plan before finalization.</p><p>Philadelphia gets two rotation fixtures in Miller and Stone, a potential All-Star bat in Rushing to succeed J.T. Realmuto long term, and immediate corner-outfield pop with Pages. De Paula supplies blue-chip upside, and Vargas offers versatile right-handed offense with options remaining. Absorbing Walker’s deal removes a mid-rotation headache and frees capital for bullpen reinforcements or another impact bat. Crucially, the Phillies retain a win-now core of Trea Turner, Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott, Kyle Schwarber, and a frontline staff headlined by Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, while diversifying their age curve.</p><p>For the Dodgers, the overpay is intentional because the fit is era-defining. Harper’s left-handed thump and big-game DNA eliminate matchup manipulation in October, and his presence lengthens every at-bat in the 2-5 slots alongside Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman. Walker soaks innings behind Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow while young arms like Emmet Sheehan, Landon Knack, and Kyle Hurt cycle through. Offensively, Dave Roberts can alternate Harper between right field and DH, keep Betts in the middle infield where his athleticism plays, and rest Freeman more strategically without punting production.</p><p>Financially, Los Angeles accepts the luxury-tax pain because the upside is multiple titles. Harper’s AAV is efficient for his caliber, and his star wattage compounds revenue in October. The roster math also works: Pages’ departure is mitigated by outfield depth and prospect churn, and Rushing is blocked by Will Smith for years. It’s an audacious reset that prioritizes rings over prospect hugs—and it’s precisely the type of swing a super team should take.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

The perfect Bryce Harper trade proposal Dodgers must offer Phillies

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/chicago-cubs/why-cubs-must-make-phillies-trade-offer-for-bryce-harper');   ga('set', 'title', 'Why Cubs must make Phillies trade offer for Bryce Harper');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Why-Cubs-must-make-Phillies-trade-offer-for-Bryce-Harper.jpg"></figure><h1>Why Cubs must make Phillies trade offer for Bryce Harper</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-27T07:32:52-07:00">October 27th, 7:32am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-27T08:09:53-07:00">October 27th, 8:09am</time><address><a>Garrett Kerman</a>Garrett Kerman also goes by the name of The Fight Analyst. He covers all combat sports, from MMA, to boxing, to even bare-knuckle. He is also very well-versed in all American sports when it comes to news and betting analysis. Whether you want betting advice or some breaking news, Garrett is your guy.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Chicago Cubs</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Chicago Cubs stand at a crossroads this offseason. With <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/cubs-rumors-kyle-tucker-exit-one-season">Kyle Tucker likely commanding a $400 million contract in free agency</a>, the front office faces a critical decision about how to replace one of baseball’s elite talents. While conventional wisdom suggests promoting top prospect Owen Caissie to fill the void, the Cubs have a unique opportunity to capitalize on an unexpected situation brewing in Philadelphia.​</p><p>Bryce Harper, the two-time MVP and Phillies cornerstone, has become an uncomfortable superstar following Dave Dombrowski’s public questioning of whether he can return to elite form. Despite Harper’s full no-trade clause and public commitment to Philadelphia, the combination of declining production, ongoing wrist concerns, and organizational uncertainty creates a narrow window for the Cubs to pounce.​</p><h2>Why Harper Makes Perfect Sense for Chicago</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Sep-10-2025-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-USA-Philadelphia-Phillies-first-base-Bryce-Harper-3-watches-his-ball-clear-the-wall.jpg"><figcaption>© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Cubs need more than just an outfield replacement—they need a proven superstar who can anchor their lineup for years to come. Harper, despite a down 2025 season, still posted a respectable .844 OPS with 27 home runs while battling wrist inflammation that sidelined him for significant time. At 33 years old, he remains in the prime years of his career with six years and $144 million remaining on his contract.​</p><p>Harper’s contract structure actually works in the Cubs’ favor. His $27.54 million annual salary through 2031 is manageable for a team with relatively clean books beyond 2026. Unlike pursuing Tucker on the open market at potentially $40-45 million per year, acquiring Harper provides cost certainty while adding a first baseman who won a Silver Slugger in 2024. This allows the Cubs to allocate resources toward their primary need: elite starting pitching.​</p><p>The psychological element cannot be ignored. Harper expressed feeling “confused and upset” by Dombrowski’s comments and admitted the trade speculation made him “feel uncomfortable”. When a player of Harper’s caliber explicitly references his disappointment with management, it creates an opening that didn’t exist before. His mention of hating trade talk in Washington suggests he’s not immune to considering a fresh start if the right situation presents itself.​</p><h2>The Phillies’ Motivation to Deal</h2><p>Philadelphia faces significant roster challenges heading into 2026. With a payroll already exceeding $300 million when factoring in luxury tax implications, the Phillies have limited financial flexibility. They have nearly $40 million in departing free agents and need to address critical needs in the outfield, bullpen, and potentially catcher if J.T. Realmuto doesn’t return.​</p><p>The Phillies’ window is closing faster than anticipated. Key veterans like Realmuto (turning 35), Nick Castellanos, and Aaron Nola are aging, and the team needs an infusion of youth and athleticism. Trading Harper would accomplish multiple objectives: clearing significant payroll space, acquiring young talent to reload the system, and allowing top prospect Justin Crawford to take over a corner outfield spot.​</p><p>Most importantly, the Phillies’ president of baseball operations has already demonstrated his willingness to move on from franchise cornerstones when the situation dictates. Former GM Rubén Amaro Jr. hinted that one of the team’s major no-trade clause contracts could be moved this offseason, specifically mentioning contracts like Harper’s and Trea Turner’s. While Dombrowski publicly denied trade interest, his initial comments questioning Harper’s elite status suggest internal discussions have already occurred.​</p><h2>Building the Perfect Trade Package</h2><p>For Harper to waive his no-trade clause, he needs to see a contending team with a clear championship window. The Cubs, fresh off their first playoff series win in eight years, fit that profile. Chicago’s young core—led by Pete Crow-Armstrong’s breakout season and rising stars like Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson—provides exactly the supporting cast Harper needs.​</p><p>The Phillies, meanwhile, need impact prospects who can contribute immediately while also providing long-term value. Here’s the ideal trade structure that addresses both teams’ needs:</p><p><b>Chicago Cubs Receive:</b></p><ul><li>1B Bryce Harper (six years, $144 million remaining)</li></ul><p><b>Philadelphia Phillies Receive:</b></p><ul><li>OF Owen Caissie</li><li>RHP Jaxon Wiggins</li><li>C/DH Moisés Ballesteros</li><li>RHP Cade Horton</li></ul><p>This package gives the Phillies exactly what they need to reload while remaining competitive. Caissie, who posted a .937 OPS with 22 home runs at Triple-A Iowa in 2025, provides immediate outfield help and slots perfectly into the corner spot Philadelphia needs to address. The 23-year-old has the offensive profile to replace Harper’s production at a fraction of the cost.​</p><p>Wiggins and Horton provide the starting pitching depth Philadelphia desperately needs after inconsistent seasons from their rotation. Wiggins, recovering from Tommy John surgery but showing promise at 24 years old, offers controllable rotation insurance. Horton, who logged 147 innings between Triple-A and the majors in 2025, gives the Phillies an immediate fifth starter option with upside.​</p><p>Ballesteros represents the wildcard that makes this trade work. The 23-year-old switch-hitting catcher/DH posted nearly identical numbers in Triple-A (.858 OPS) and the majors (.868 OPS) during his September call-up, demonstrating he’s ready for full-time duty. With questions about Realmuto’s future, Ballesteros provides positional flexibility as either a catching replacement or a powerful DH option to replace Harper’s production.​</p><h2>Why the Cubs Pull the Trigger</h2><p>From Chicago’s perspective, this trade accomplishes several critical objectives. First, it replaces Tucker’s production without entering a bidding war that could exceed $400 million. Harper’s track record of durability (when healthy) and consistent production makes him a safer investment than paying premium dollars for Tucker’s age-29 through age-35 seasons.​</p><p>Second, it addresses the first base position for the long term. While the Cubs have pieces at every position, solidifying first base with an elite hitter allows manager Craig Counsell to optimize the rest of the lineup. Seiya Suzuki can move to right field full time, his natural position, where he excelled in September and October.​</p><p>Third, it sends a clear message that the Cubs’ championship window is now. After years of prospect development and careful roster construction, trading four high-end prospects for a proven superstar demonstrates commitment to winning immediately. This move would energize a fanbase eager for sustained postseason success beyond first-round exits.​</p><p>Most importantly, Harper’s leadership and championship pedigree elevate the entire organization. His willingness to move positions, play through injuries, and embrace his role as a franchise cornerstone mirrors the culture Cubs president Jed Hoyer has tried to build. Adding that veteran presence alongside a young core creates the perfect blend of experience and emerging talent.​</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Why Cubs must make Phillies trade offer for Bryce Harper

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-bryce-harper-trade-rumors');   ga('set', 'title', 'Phillies star Bryce Harper dishes truth on his ‘hate’ of trade rumors');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/unnamed-1_f1c0fe.jpg"></figure><h1>Phillies star Bryce Harper dishes truth on his ‘hate’ of trade rumors</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-25T12:55:27-07:00">October 25th, 12:55pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-25T12:55:27-07:00">October 25th, 12:55pm</time><address><a>Josh Davis</a>Josh Davis is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints with a focus on MLB. As the founder and creator of OutOfSightSports, Josh spearheads the development and expansion of an engaging social media platform, with a core focus on Twitter/X. A passionate sports writer, Josh is dedicated to delivering compelling content that connects fans and fuels vibrant sports conversations. His vision is to craft stories so vivid that fans feel like they’re standing at the plate or on the field.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Philadelphia Phillies have rarely faced an offseason as tense as this one. Following their October collapse, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-dave-dombrowski-shuts-down-swirling-bryce-harper-trade-rumors">franchise cornerstone Bryce Harper</a> spoke openly about loyalty, frustration, and his deep dislike of circulating trade rumors that have dominated Philadelphia sports talk since the club was eliminated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS.</p><p>In an article written by The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, Harper <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6749605/2025/10/25/bryce-harper-phillies-dave-dombrowski-comments/?source=emp_shared_article" rel="noopener">reflected on</a> his long-term commitment to the Phillies and how quickly confidence can turn to uncertainty when speculation takes over.</p><p>“I have given my all to Philly from the start,” Harper told The Athletic on Saturday. “Now there is trade talk? I made every effort to avoid this. It’s all I heard in D.C. (with the Nationals). I hated it. It makes me feel uncomfortable.”</p><p>His comments came just days after Dave Dombrowski’s remarks about Harper’s ability to “reach elite levels again” sparked controversy. Though intended as motivation, the statement fueled speculation of tension between the veteran star and the front office. During an appearance on Foul Territory Network, later reposted to X (formerly known as Twitter), Dombrowski clarified that the rumors were unfounded and that <a href="https://x.com/FoulTerritoryTV/status/1981423767961424001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1981423767961424001%7Ctwgr%5E6fb26e4efae9a640a338dafce121851702661a9f%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Fathletic%2F6749605%2F2025%2F10%2F25%2Fbryce-harper-phillies-dave-dombrowski-comments%2F" rel="noopener">there were no plans</a> to part ways with Harper.</p><p>“I’ve been reading that the Phillies may trade Bryce Harper. That couldn’t be further from the truth.”</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">"I've been reading that the Phillies may trade Bryce Harper. That couldn't be further from the truth."</p><p>Dave Dombrowski says Bryce Harper is an elite talent, and his comments weren't meant to be criticism. <a href="https://t.co/HMJY6TjPsv">pic.twitter.com/HMJY6TjPsv</a></p><p>— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/FoulTerritoryTV/status/1981423767961424001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>The two-time MVP’s remarks reflected more than frustration. They revealed the burden of being <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-philadelphia-president-not-sure-bryce-harper-return-elite-form">both the face and the conscience of the Phillies</a>. The 14-year veteran has built a Hall of Fame resume with a .280 career average, 1,801 hits, and 363 home runs while earning the devotion of a fanbase that treats effort like currency.</p><p>Yet Harper’s tone reflected fatigue as much as loyalty. The 2025 season ended in disappointment, but his presence continues to set the tone for the Phillies this offseason. His honesty now mirrors the city’s sports identity, built on resilience, emotion, and fierce loyalty.</p><p>Harper’s “hate” isn’t about rumors, it’s about respect. He isn’t asking for a trade. He’s asking to be trusted again by a city he’s given everything to.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Phillies star Bryce Harper dishes truth on his ‘hate’ of trade rumors

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-dave-dombrowski-shuts-down-swirling-bryce-harper-trade-rumors');   ga('set', 'title', 'Phillies’ Dave Dombrowski shuts down swirling Bryce Harper trade rumors');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bryce-Harper-of-the-Philadelphia-Phillies-2.jpg"><figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Phillies’ Dave Dombrowski shuts down swirling Bryce Harper trade rumors</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-23T12:32:05-07:00">October 23rd, 12:32pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-23T12:32:05-07:00">October 23rd, 12:32pm</time><address><a>Benedetto Vitale</a>Benedetto Vitale is an avid sports writer who is an expert at covering the NFL, college football, NBA, and UFC. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 2016 with a film degree but has since dedicated his career to sports writing.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Rumors have been building that the Philadelphia Phillies <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-philadelphia-president-not-sure-bryce-harper-return-elite-form">could be looking to trade Bryce Harper</a> in the offseason. With the future unclear for the veteran first baseman, President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski shut down any notion of the franchise potentially trading Harper.</p><p>During a guest appearance on “Foul Territory,” Dombrowski, who is 69 years old, fielded a question about his previous comments about Harper, which he came off a bit critical of the two-time MVP. The well-established executive used the opportunity to clear the air, claiming that he and the Phillies <a href="https://x.com/FoulTerritoryTV/status/1981423767961424001" rel="noopener">do not intend to trade</a> Bryce Harper in the offseason.</p><p>“The reality is, he’s a great player, he’s a future Hall of Famer,” said Dombrowski of Harper. “This thing’s got a life of its own. Now I’ve been reading that, ‘The Phillies may trade Bryce Harper.’ That couldn’t be further from the truth. We love him, he’s a great player, [and] he’s a very important part of our team. I’ve seen him have better years. I look for him to have better years.”</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">"I've been reading that the Phillies may trade Bryce Harper. That couldn't be further from the truth."</p><p>Dave Dombrowski says Bryce Harper is an elite talent, and his comments weren't meant to be criticism. <a href="https://t.co/HMJY6TjPsv">pic.twitter.com/HMJY6TjPsv</a></p><p>— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/FoulTerritoryTV/status/1981423767961424001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>Harper ended the 2025 campaign with a .261 batting average and .357 OBP while recording 131 hits, 27 home runs, and 75 RBIs. Still a decent season for anybody in the league, but it certainly was not considered to be an elite year for the 33-year-old veteran. Still, though, Bryce Harper was productive enough at the plate and helped the Phillies reach the playoffs with a 96-66 record.</p><p>Philadelphia has a busy offseason ahead, as <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-bryce-harper-kyle-schwarber-jt-realmuto-return">the Phillies will have to find ways</a> to maintain their competitive roster. Especially with outfielder Kyle Schwarber eligible to become a free agent. As for Bryce Harper, it appears he’s set to remain in Philly for now.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Phillies’ Dave Dombrowski shuts down swirling Bryce Harper trade rumors

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-rumors-alec-bohm-emerges-potential-offseason-trade-candidate');   ga('set', 'title', 'Phillies rumors: Alec Bohm emerges as potential offseason trade candidate');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bohm-swings_8b1e6f.jpg"><figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Phillies rumors: Alec Bohm emerges as potential offseason trade candidate</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-23T09:16:51-07:00">October 23rd, 9:16am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-23T09:16:51-07:00">October 23rd, 9:16am</time><address><a>Jackson Stone</a>Jackson Stone is a Mercer University alum from Atlanta who graduated with a BA in communications. A lifelong sports lover, Jackson is a die-hard fan of all Atlanta teams. He joined ClutchPoints in 2023.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Recently, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-rumors-rob-thomson-return-manager-other-coaching-changes-likely">Philadelphia Phillies saw</a> their 2025 MLB season come to an end with a crushing loss at the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers/dodgers-news-shohei-ohtani-toronto-post-sparks-multiple-reactions">hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers</a> in Game 4 of their NLDS series with a crucial pitching error. The loss marked the second straight year in which Philadelphia won the NL East and then won just a single playoff game in the ensuing postseason, calling into question just how much longer the current core of the team will stay together.</p><p>Recently, Jim Bowden of The Athletic listed <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6738377/2025/10/23/mlb-offseason-trade-targets-tarik-skubal-jarren-duran/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=mlbtw&amp;source=mlbtw" rel="noopener">some key trade candidates</a> from around the league heading into this offseason, and the name he mentioned for the Phillies may raise some eyebrows: third baseman Alec Bohm.</p><p>“Bohm has been the Phillies’ regular third baseman for the last five years, averaging 16 homers and 89 RBIs over 162 games. He has basically plateaued as a player, however, hitting his ceiling as a slightly above-average major leaguer,” noted Bowden. “At 29, Bohm could benefit from a change of scenery, and an upgrade at the hot corner would help the Phillies too. With both Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette being viable options in free agency, it would make sense for the Phillies to deal Bohm at this time.”</p><p>Bowden also mentioned a specific team that Bohm could be a good fit on.</p><p>“He’s controllable for one more year and his best trade fit could be with the Los Angeles Angels,” he added.</p><h2><b>A big offseason for the Phillies</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Philadelphia-Phillies-manager-Rob-Thomson-1.jpg"><figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Heading into this year, the Philadelphia Phillies had lost in an earlier round of the postseason each year dating back to the 2022 World Series. This year, they lost in the same round as they did in 2024, the NLDS, with the Los Angeles Dodgers already having swept the Milwaukee Brewers in the ensuing NLCS and punching their ticket to the World Series.</p><p>It’s certainly worth wondering at this point whether this Phillies team has hit its collective ceiling.</p><p>Philadelphia clearly has a talented roster, but also one that has an undeniable habit of playing some of its worst baseball each October.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Phillies rumors: Alec Bohm emerges as potential offseason trade candidate

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/new-york-yankees/yankees-perfect-trade-phillies-bryce-harper');   ga('set', 'title', 'Yankees’ perfect trade offer for Phillies’ Bryce Harper');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Yankees-perfect-trade-offer-for-Phillies-Bryce-Harper.jpg"></figure><h1>Yankees’ perfect trade offer for Phillies’ Bryce Harper</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-23T06:43:43-07:00">October 23rd, 6:43am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-23T06:43:43-07:00">October 23rd, 6:43am</time><address><a>Christopher Hennessy</a>Christopher Hennessy is a Senior Editor at ClutchPoints, with expertise in MLB, NHL and golf. Chris graduated with a journalism degree from Fordham University in 2022. He has also worked at Spectrum News One in Albany, New York and with The Hockey Writers as a New York Islanders writer. Chris is originally from Connecticut and is a lifelong New York Yankees, Islanders, and Jets fan.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Mini-Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Philadelphia Phillies and the<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/toronto-blue-jays/blue-jays-cruise-world-series-defeating-yankees-alds"> New York Yankees both lost in the Divisional Series</a> amid high October expectations. That should lead to a lot of changes in both high-pressure markets. The Phillies may trade Bryce Harper to kickstart a retool centered around the return, and the Yankees could use an offensive spark. Does this make sense for both teams for a Harper trade?</p><p>The Phillies just went all-in at the trade deadline, trading a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-philadelphia-seeking-next-jhoan-duran-trade">top catching and pitching prospect for closer Jhoan Duran</a>. Replacing those important positions should be the goal of any Harper trade. They should be focused on getting the best possible prospects to get back to the World Series quickly with this trade. Trading a two-time MVP should net a package that can reach that goal.</p><p>When they call the Yankees, the Phillies will ask for Cam Schlittler. The<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/new-york-yankees/yankees-news-cam-schlittler-6-word-message-red-sox-fans-social-media-chirps"> 24-year-old rookie dominated the Boston Red Sox in Game 3</a> of the Wild Card Series and was great against the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 4 of the ALDS. A newly minted superstar has been born on the Yankee Stadium mound, and the Phillies should absolutely ask.</p><p>But the Yankees should hang onto Schlittler and offer either Luis Gil or Will Warren, two more young homegrown arms. The Phillies would then pluck many of the top prospects from the Yankees’ pipeline for Harper. This trade would be expensive, as Harper has six years left on his deal.</p><p>The Yankees have a young, left-handed first baseman who would be one of the top pieces in the trade. Ben Rice had a great season, which makes him a top target for the Phillies.</p><p><b>Phillies receive: </b>1b/C Ben Rice, RHP Luis Gil, RHP Chase Hampton (NYY #8), OF Spencer Jones (NYY #4, MLB #99)<br><b>Yankees receive: </b>1b Bryce Harper</p><h2><b>Would the Yankees trade for Bryce Harper?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bryce-Harper.jpg"><figcaption>Eric Hartline-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Bryce Harper was a top free agent after the 2018 season, and his rookie deal ended with the Washington Nationals. He expressed interest in joining the Yankees, but the recently acquired Giancarlo Stanton made a Harper contract nearly impossible. With a crowded outfield and expensive payroll, Harper never had a meeting with New York. He signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies.</p><p>The Yankees still have Brian Cashman running the show, as he was in 2018. So, making a trade that admits a massive mistake could be out of the question. Trading Rice opens up first base, and the Yankees have money to spend with Cody Bellinger hitting free agency. Trading for Harper may make keeping Bellinger impossible, which could also be a non-starter.</p><p>If the Yankees do not make the trade, they will be able to keep Rice and re-sign Bellinger. After nearly snagging the AL East title for the Blue Jays after Juan Soto left, they may run it back, hoping for better results. But the Yankees fans are frustrated with the October struggles, and a trade could help fix that.</p><p>The Yankees have been more focused on building a solid defense since the embarrassment of Game 5 of the 2024 World Series. That is part of the reason Bellinger was a great fit. Harper, despite first base being the second position of his MLB career, has been an above-average fielder since moving over there. Rice is not a great fielder at first or catcher, so this could be a defensively-minded trade as well.</p><p>The Yankees could trade for Harper, put all of the pressure on 2026, and hope he figures out his own postseason problems. Or, they could re-sign Bellinger, try to develop Rice into a great defensive first baseman, and get their pitching staff healthy. Either way, the expectation is a championship for the Yankees.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Yankees’ perfect trade offer for Phillies’ Bryce Harper

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/mlb-stories/mlb-rumors-dodgers-phillies-padres-not-counted-out-tarik-skubal-trade');   ga('set', 'title', 'MLB rumors: Why Dodgers, Phillies, Padres must not be counted out for Tarik Skubal trade');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Tigers-Tarik-Skubal-1.jpg"><figcaption>© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>MLB rumors: Why Dodgers, Phillies, Padres must not be counted out for Tarik Skubal trade</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-22T08:35:27-07:00">October 22nd, 8:35am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-22T08:35:51-07:00">October 22nd, 8:35am</time><address><a>Benjamin Adducchio</a>Benjamin Adducchio is a journalist and writer with more than a decade of experience in covering sports news. Ben is a passionate sports fan who loves college football, basketball, and the New York Yankees.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Dodgers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>With the Major League Baseball season nearing its end, several teams are already looking at ways to improve for 2026. One player who is getting all kinds of <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/new-york-mets/mets-rumors-tarik-skubal-trade-offseason">trade buzz and speculation is Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal</a>. There are now <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-executives-on-tarik-skubal-potential-trade?adobe_mc=TS%3D1761101527%7CMCMID%3D73866363945866185367678427282333268335%7CMCORGID%3DA65F776A5245B01B0A490D44%40AdobeOrg&amp;affiliateId=mlbapp-ios_webview_news-index&amp;rsid=mlbios.at.bat.new.implementation" rel="noopener">three more teams</a> hoping to land Skubal, according to an MLB.com report.</p><p>Those teams are the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres. All three made the MLB postseason in 2025, with the Dodgers playing in the World Series for the second consecutive year.</p><p>There’s a common denominator with all of these teams, for why they would want Skubal’s services.</p><p>“Three other contending teams – the Dodgers, Phillies and Padres – should never be counted out of situations like this one, as their front offices have a history of making big moves,” Mark Feinsand wrote.</p><p>It is expected that several other teams will come calling the Tigers this offseason. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/detroit-tigers/tigers-news-insider-asks-fans-tarik-skubal-trade-question-detroits-playoff-elimination">Skubal is entering his final year</a> prior to free agency.</p><p>“I imagine they’ll consider it, if the bidding gets high enough,” one AL executive said to Feinsand, about Detroit. “I’m not sure if they’ll have the guts to do it.”</p><p>The Tigers just made the American League Division Series, but lost to the Seattle Mariners.</p><h2><b>Dodgers, Phillies, Padres could trade young prospects for Tarik Skubal</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Detroit-Tigers-starting-pitcher-Tarik-Skubal-8.jpg"><figcaption>Steven Bisig-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Skubal has proven himself to be an incredible pitcher. During the 2025 regular season, the Tigers ace posted 13 victories. He also finished the season with a 2.21 ERA. In the postseason, Skubal tossed 36 strikeouts while posting a 1.74 ERA.</p><p>These three teams are expected to all offer plenty of prospects to Detroit.</p><p>“A Dodgers deal would potentially have to include outfielder Josue De Paula, Los Angeles’ No. 1 prospect and the No. 13 prospect in baseball,” Feinsand wrote. “The Dodgers have seven players currently on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 list – not to mention an inexpensive, budding star in Roki Sasaki – giving president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman a number of chips to use in a deal if he chooses to make his pitching-rich club even richer.”</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/new-york-yankees/perfect-100-million-contract-yankees-must-offer-dylan-cease-padres">Padres meanwhile are expected to need some starting pitching</a> in the near future. Both Dylan Cease and Michael King are free-agents this offseason. San Diego is also looking for a manager, adding to the uncertainty there.</p><p>In Philadelphia, the Phillies could offer one of their most prized prospects for Skubal.</p><p>“Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has long considered top prospect Andrew Painter – who some have compared to a young Justin Verlander – to be untouchable, but Philadelphia’s aging roster makes 2026 a crucial season before its current window of contention begins to close,” Feinsand wrote.</p><p>Time will tell if Skubal leaves Detroit this offseason.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

MLB rumors: Why Dodgers, Phillies, Padres must not be counted out for Tarik Skubal trade

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/the-perfect-60m-contract-phillies-must-offer-jt-realmuto-to-re-sign-him');   ga('set', 'title', 'The perfect $60M contract Phillies must offer JT Realmuto to re-sign him');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Losing-J.T.-Realmuto-during-free-agency-would-be-a-blow-for-the-Phillies.jpg"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>The perfect $60M contract Phillies must offer JT Realmuto to re-sign him</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-21T08:14:40-07:00">October 21st, 8:14am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-21T08:14:40-07:00">October 21st, 8:14am</time><address><a>Steve Silverman</a>Steve Silverman has been covering the NFL for more than 35 years, and his writing has appeared in ESPN Magazine, Bleacher Report, CBS Sports, Pro Football Weekly, and Forbes.com. He has written 10 books, including "Who's Better, Who's Best in the NFL." He has won multiple awards from the Pro Football Writers of America.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Philadelphia Phillies are facing major challenges in the offseason. After running away with the National League East in 2025, the Phillies were beaten in four games by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. That result was clearly disappointing, but the Phillies were the only team to register a victory over the Dodgers in the three rounds of the National League playoffs.</p><p>That’s cold comfort to Phillies fans, who are desperate to see their team wins its first World Series title since 2008 and the third in the team’s long history. If <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/boston-red-sox/the-perfect-130m-contract-red-sox-must-offer-kyle-schwarber-to-steal-him-from-phillies">the Phillies</a> are going to remain the dominant team in the division and one that at least has hope of challenging the Dodgers, they will have to make sharp decisions regarding three major free agents.</p><h2><b>Phillies boss Dave Dombrowski in difficult position</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Dave-Dombrowski-has-difficult-offseason-decisions-to-make-for-the-Phillies.jpg"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Catcher J.T. Realmuto, designated hitter Kyle Schwarber and pitcher Ranger Suarez are all headed for free agency in the offseason, and Phillies president of baseball operation Dave Dombrowski has difficult decisions to make. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/3-teams-that-could-steal-j-t-realmuto-from-phillies-in-free-agency">The Phillies</a> clearly need all three players back if they are going to play at a highly competitive level, but finding a way to play them without sending the team into the kind of financial position that the team has avoided to this point is a major challenge.</p><p>Most observers believe that Realmuto is likely the No. 3 option for the Phillies. Schwarber is one of the premier power hitters in the sport, along with Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh. Schwarber is coming off a 56-home run season and he has averaged 46.8 homers during his four seasons in Philadelphia.</p><p>The 32-year-old Schwarber is no longer on the upside of his career, but he should be steady for the next few years. Dombrowski should be confident that a four-year deal with the left-handed slugger will bring the Phillies a consistent level of production.</p><p>The left-handed Suarez ranks as the Phillies No. 3 starting pitcher behind Christopher Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo. Suarez finished last season with a 12-8 record, a 3.20 earned run average and 151 strikeouts in 157.1 innings.</p><p>Suarez, 29, is definitely worth keeping as one of the team’s starting pitchers.</p><p>Realmuto is still a terrific player, but he has reached the age of 34. That is an age where most catchers find it difficult to go behind the plate for 125 games or more. Dombrowski has to decide if he believes Realmuto can maintain his excellent level of play for at least two seasons.</p><p>Realmuto had a solid season in 2025, slashing .257/.315/.384 with 12 home runs and 52 runs batted in. He played in 134 games, but his production was less than it had been in 2022 and 2023 when he played 139 and 135 games, respectively.</p><h2><b>Realmuto is far better than other catching options</b></h2><p>In addition to his offensive numbers, he is still an elite defensive catcher. He is highly skilled at keeping the opponent’s running game in check. His pop time regularly ranks as the best in the game.</p><p>If the Phillies don’t bring back Realmuto, the other free agent options on appear to be Christian Vazquez and Sal Perez. Vazquez, 35, has not caught as many as 119 games since the 2022 season. Perez is 36 years old and its difficult to see him playing for any other team than the Kansas City Royals.</p><p>Rafael Marchan is the backup catcher, but he does not appear to be a viable alternative. While the 26-year-old should be in the prime of his career, he slashed .210/.282/.305 in 42 games with 2 home runs and 13 RBI. There is no reason to think he could be a full-time catcher for a contending team.</p><h2><b>Phillies need to make three-year, $60 million offer to Realmuto</b></h2><p>The Phillies catcher signed a <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/player/_/id/16097/jt-realmuto">five-year, $115 million offer</a> with the Phillies in 2021. That is far too long a term to consider at this point in his career.</p><p>The Phillies would probably like to make Realmuto a two-year offer, but the catcher would almost certainly want a four-year contract. There’s a clear compromise there on a three-year deal.</p><p>Realmuto has been earning an average of $23 million per season and that appears to be too much to offer considering the other free-agent issues the Phillies are facing. A new three-year deal that averages $20 million per season would allow Realmuto to have a positive feeling and would secure the catching position for the team.</p><p> </p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

The perfect $60M contract Phillies must offer JT Realmuto to re-sign him

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/boston-red-sox/red-soxs-perfect-trade-offer-for-phillies-nick-castellanos');   ga('set', 'title', 'Red Sox’s perfect trade offer for Phillies’ Nick Castellanos');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Red-Soxs-perfect-trade-offer-for-Phillies-Nick-Castellanos.jpg"></figure><h1>Red Sox’s perfect trade offer for Phillies’ Nick Castellanos</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-19T07:55:41-07:00">October 19th, 7:55am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-19T07:56:31-07:00">October 19th, 7:56am</time><address><a>Garrett Kerman</a>Garrett Kerman also goes by the name of The Fight Analyst. He covers all combat sports, from MMA, to boxing, to even bare-knuckle. He is also very well-versed in all American sports when it comes to news and betting analysis. Whether you want betting advice or some breaking news, Garrett is your guy.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Boston Red Sox</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Boston Red Sox are entering a critical offseason with championship aspirations, and their front office needs to make calculated moves to address the team’s most glaring weaknesses. While the starting rotation remains a priority, the lineup desperately needs an injection of right-handed power and veteran presence. Enter Nick Castellanos, the Philadelphia Phillies outfielder <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/phillies-rumors-heres-how-desperate-philly-will-be-trade-nick-castellanos">who finds himself on the trade block</a> after a turbulent 2025 campaign that saw him clash with management and struggle in the season’s final months.​</p><p>Despite posting career-worst numbers—a .250/.294/.400 slash line with just 17 home runs and -1.0 WAR—Castellanos represents a low-risk, high-reward gamble for Boston. The 33-year-old veteran is owed $20 million in the final year of his five-year, $100 million contract, but the Phillies are motivated to move him and will likely eat a significant portion of that salary to facilitate a deal. For a Red Sox team that boasts one of baseball’s deepest farm systems but lacks middle-of-the-order thump, acquiring Castellanos at a discounted rate could be the perfect complement to their young core.​</p><h2>Why Nick Castellanos Makes Sense for Boston</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Nick-Castellanos-1.jpg"><figcaption>Kyle Ross-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Red Sox offense in 2025 was Jekyll and Hyde—elite in batting average (fourth in MLB at .254) but underwhelming in power production, ranking ninth in slugging percentage. Their lineup featured too many left-handed bats and lacked the veteran right-handed presence needed to balance the order. With Masataka Yoshida’s future uncertain and the designated hitter spot essentially a revolving door after trading Rafael Devers, Boston needs someone who can slot into that role immediately.​</p><p>Castellanos fits that profile perfectly. While his 2025 numbers don’t inspire confidence on the surface, context matters. He hit solidly through June before completely falling apart over the final three months (.206 average after the All-Star break), suggesting fatigue or injury rather than permanent decline. A change of scenery to a contending team with less organizational turmoil could rejuvenate his bat.​</p><p>The Red Sox can afford to take this chance because their outfield is already crowded with Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela, Roman Anthony, and Jhostynxon Garcia all competing for playing time. Castellanos would primarily serve as the designated hitter, taking at-bats away from Yoshida while occasionally spelling the younger outfielders. His playoff experience—having appeared in 164 postseason at-bats throughout his career—would prove invaluable for a young roster that got bounced in the Wild Card round.​</p><h2>The Perfect Trade Package</h2><p>For this trade to work, Boston must construct an offer that addresses Philadelphia’s needs without gutting their own prospect capital. The Phillies are motivated sellers who need to shed Castellanos’s salary to pursue free agents like Kyle Schwarber and Ranger Suárez. They’re also looking to reload their farm system after graduating several prospects and trading others away at the deadline.​</p><p><b>Boston Red Sox Receive:</b></p><ul><li>OF/DH Nick Castellanos</li><li>$12 million in cash considerations (Philadelphia covers 60% of remaining salary)</li></ul><p><b>Philadelphia Phillies Receive:</b></p><ul><li>OF Jhostynxon Garcia</li><li>RHP Yordanny Monegro</li><li>LHP Eduardo Rivera</li></ul><p>This package works for multiple reasons. Garcia, 22, is a power-hitting outfield prospect who slashed .267 with 21 home runs between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester in 2025. He’s currently blocked in Boston’s outfield logjam and represents the type of high-ceiling talent Philadelphia needs to replenish their system. With the Phillies expecting Justin Crawford to claim a starting outfield spot in 2026, Garcia could develop into a complementary power bat alongside Crawford’s speed-and-contact profile.​</p><p>Monegro, a 22-year-old reliever with swing-and-miss stuff, addresses Philadelphia’s biggest weakness—their bullpen. Ranked among Boston’s top 30 prospects with a future value of 40, Monegro brings mid-90s heat and wipeout secondary pitches that could translate immediately to the major leagues. The Phillies desperately need bullpen reinforcements after their relief corps collapsed in the NLDS against the Dodgers.​</p><p>Rivera rounds out the package as a high-upside pitching lottery ticket. The 24-year-old left-hander posted a 2.48 ERA with 108 strikeouts across High-A and Double-A in 2025 after being released by Oakland mid-2024. He touches 99 mph with his fastball and showed significant development in Boston’s system. For a Phillies organization always hunting for pitching depth, Rivera represents the type of reclamation project that could pay dividends.​</p><h2>Why Both Teams Say Yes</h2><p>From Boston’s perspective, this trade addresses their power shortage without sacrificing their top prospects. Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell (recently graduated), Marcelo Mayer (recovering from wrist surgery), Franklin Arias, and their elite pitching prospects remain untouched. Garcia, while talented, is blocked by established major leaguers and younger phenoms. Monegro and Rivera are organizational depth pieces with upside but not irreplaceable assets given Boston’s pitching depth.​</p><p>The financial structure makes this deal palatable. By having Philadelphia cover $12 million of Castellanos’s $20 million salary, Boston only commits $8 million for 2026—a bargain-bin price for a veteran who averaged 27 home runs and 86 RBIs from 2022-2024. If Castellanos rebounds to even 80% of his career norms (.272 average, .785 OPS), he’s a steal at that price. If he struggles, the Red Sox can release him after one season with minimal financial damage.​</p><p>This trade represents the rare deal where both teams improve immediately. Boston adds the right-handed power bat they desperately need without sacrificing their championship window. Philadelphia clears a problematic contract while acquiring young talent that addresses organizational weaknesses. Sometimes the best trades aren’t the splashiest—they’re the ones that simply make sense for everyone involved.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Red Sox’s perfect trade offer for Phillies’ Nick Castellanos

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/houston-astros/astros-perfect-trade-offer-for-phillies-nick-castellanos');   ga('set', 'title', 'Astros’ perfect trade offer for Phillies’ Nick Castellanos');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Astros-perfect-trade-offer-for-Phillies-Nick-Castellanos.jpg"></figure><h1>Astros’ perfect trade offer for Phillies’ Nick Castellanos</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-19T07:16:40-07:00">October 19th, 7:16am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-19T07:16:40-07:00">October 19th, 7:16am</time><address><a>Garrett Kerman</a>Garrett Kerman also goes by the name of The Fight Analyst. He covers all combat sports, from MMA, to boxing, to even bare-knuckle. He is also very well-versed in all American sports when it comes to news and betting analysis. Whether you want betting advice or some breaking news, Garrett is your guy.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Houston Astros</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/houston-astros/astros-news-houston-moves-on-hitting-coach-alex-cintron-missing-playoffs">Houston Astros missed the playoffs</a> for the first time since 2016 in 2025, signaling the end of an era and the beginning of a critical offseason retool. With uncertainty in their outfield and limited payroll flexibility after exceeding the luxury tax threshold, the Astros need cost-effective upgrades to return to contention in 2026. Enter Nick Castellanos, the Philadelphia Phillies’ veteran right fielder <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/phillies-rumors-heres-how-desperate-philly-will-be-trade-nick-castellanos">who is expected to be traded or released this offseason</a> following a tumultuous 2025 campaign.​</p><p>While Castellanos endured a career-worst season—posting a .250/.294/.400 slash line with 17 home runs, 72 RBIs, and a -1.0 WAR—he remains just one year removed from an All-Star appearance in 2023 and brings veteran leadership to a young Houston clubhouse. With $20 million remaining on his contract for 2026 and the Phillies openly seeking to move on from the 33-year-old outfielder, the Astros have an opportunity to acquire a proven bat while addressing Philadelphia’s roster construction needs.​</p><h2>Why This Trade Makes Sense for Houston</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Philadelphia-Phillies-outfielder-Nick-Castellanos-1.jpg"><figcaption>Sam Navarro-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Astros’ outfield situation for 2026 is fluid at best. Cam Smith, Jake Meyers, and youngsters Zach Cole and Zach Dezenzo provide depth, but none have established themselves as everyday impact players. Yordan Alvarez continues splitting time between left field and designated hitter, leaving Houston without a clear right-field solution.​</p><p>Castellanos, despite his defensive limitations, would provide the Astros with a veteran bat who can still hit for power. His 70-grade raw power and ability to drive the ball gives Houston another middle-of-the-order threat alongside Jose Altuve, Jeremy Peña, and Alvarez. The right-handed slugger’s career .272 average and 250 home runs over 13 seasons demonstrate a track record of production that exceeds what Houston’s current outfield options have shown.​</p><p>Furthermore, the Astros’ payroll situation demands creative solutions. Currently sitting at approximately $233 million in projected commitments for 2026, Houston has limited room under the $244 million luxury tax threshold. If the Phillies eat a significant portion of Castellanos’ $20 million salary—say $12-14 million—the Astros could add an established veteran for $6-8 million, a palatable figure for a team needing outfield reinforcements without breaking the bank.​</p><h2>What the Phillies Need in Return</h2><p>Philadelphia’s offseason priorities are clear: remake the outfield, bolster the bullpen, and inject youth into an aging core. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has been non-committal about Castellanos’ future, acknowledging the public incidents between the outfielder and manager Rob Thomson while suggesting the team will explore all options.​</p><p>The Phillies don’t need Castellanos’ $20 million on the books while trying to re-sign free agents Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto. By trading Castellanos to Houston and eating a portion of his contract, Philadelphia can clear payroll space, acquire young, controllable talent, and address their need for bullpen depth and organizational pitching.​</p><p>The Astros possess a farm system ranked 29th in baseball, but they still have intriguing pieces who could help Philadelphia. Houston’s system includes young pitchers and position players who haven’t cracked the major league roster but offer upside and team control—exactly what the Phillies need as they transition from an aging core to sustainable contention.​</p><h2>The Perfect Trade Package</h2><p><b>Houston Astros receive:</b></p><ul><li>OF Nick Castellanos</li><li>$13 million (cash considerations covering portion of 2026 salary)</li></ul><p><b>Philadelphia Phillies receive:</b></p><ul><li>RHP Miguel Ullola (Astros’ No. 4 prospect)</li><li>OF/INF Zach Cole</li><li>RHP Colton Gordon</li></ul><p>Miguel Ullola is the centerpiece returning to Philadelphia. The 23-year-old right-hander ranks as Houston’s No. 4 prospect and top-rated pitching prospect in their system. In 2025, Ullola went 5-9 with a 4.28 ERA across Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Sugar Land, but his peripherals tell a more impressive story: 171 strikeouts in 130.1 innings and a microscopic .163 batting average against, the lowest among all qualified minor league pitchers in 2024. Ullola’s power arsenal and strikeout ability give the Phillies a near-MLB-ready arm who could contribute as soon as 2026, either in the bullpen or rotation depth—two areas of need for Philadelphia.​</p><p>Zach Cole, Houston’s 2025 Minor League Player of the Year, brings versatility and upside to the Phillies’ outfield. The 25-year-old left-handed hitter slashed .279/.377/.539 with 19 home runs, 65 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases across 97 games between Double-A and Triple-A. After his promotion to Sugar Land in late August, Cole exploded, hitting .353/.459/.745 with five home runs in 15 games, including the first walk-off grand slam in Space Cowboys history. The Phillies need outfield depth behind their aging core, and Cole’s left-handed bat, athleticism, and power-speed combination fit perfectly as a fourth outfielder or platoon option in 2026.​</p><p>Colton Gordon rounds out the package as a left-handed bullpen arm with upside. The Phillies’ bullpen was a glaring weakness in 2025, and adding young, controllable relief pitching addresses an organizational need. Gordon gives Philadelphia depth and another arm to develop, fitting their emphasis on rebuilding the bullpen through trades and internal development.​</p><p>For Houston, this deal brings Castellanos at an affordable $7 million price tag after Philadelphia absorbs $13 million. That figure fits comfortably within the Astros’ luxury tax constraints while upgrading their outfield with a proven veteran. While parting with Ullola stings, Houston’s immediate need is offense, not pitching depth—they have Spencer Arrighetti, Cristian Javier, and others returning from injury. Cole, while promising, faces an uncertain role in Houston’s crowded outfield picture, and his value may never be higher after his breakout 2025 season.​</p><p>For Philadelphia, this trade accomplishes multiple objectives: clearing Castellanos’ contract, acquiring a potential rotation arm in Ullola, adding outfield depth in Cole, and bolstering the bullpen with Gordon. Most importantly, it allows the Phillies to redirect payroll toward retaining Schwarber and Realmuto while injecting young, controllable talent into a system that desperately needs it.​</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Astros’ perfect trade offer for Phillies’ Nick Castellanos

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/san-diego-padres/padres-perfect-trade-offer-for-phillies-nick-castellanos');   ga('set', 'title', 'Padres’ perfect trade offer for Phillies’ Nick Castellanos');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Padres-perfect-trade-offer-for-Phillies-Nick-Castellanos.jpg"></figure><h1>Padres’ perfect trade offer for Phillies’ Nick Castellanos</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-19T07:08:32-07:00">October 19th, 7:08am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-19T07:08:32-07:00">October 19th, 7:08am</time><address><a>Garrett Kerman</a>Garrett Kerman also goes by the name of The Fight Analyst. He covers all combat sports, from MMA, to boxing, to even bare-knuckle. He is also very well-versed in all American sports when it comes to news and betting analysis. Whether you want betting advice or some breaking news, Garrett is your guy.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/phillies-rumors-heres-how-desperate-philly-will-be-trade-nick-castellanos">The Philadelphia Phillies are ready to move on from Nick Castellanos</a>, and the San Diego Padres present the ideal landing spot for the veteran outfielder. With the Phillies reportedly planning to trade or release Castellanos this offseason , the Padres should aggressively pursue a deal that benefits both organizations while addressing critical roster needs.​</p><p>Castellanos, who has one year remaining on his five-year, $100 million contract at $20 million for 2026 , struggled through a career-worst season with a .250/.294/.400 slash line and -1.0 WAR. Despite his down year, the two-time All-Star still possesses the power and veteran presence that could thrive in San Diego’s hitter-friendly environment.​</p><h2>Why This Trade Makes Perfect Sense</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Seattle-Mariners-at-Philadelphia-Phillies.jpg"><figcaption>Eric Hartline-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Padres desperately need offensive depth after trading away their top prospects at the deadline and face uncertainty with several key free agents departing. While Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill, and Ramon Laureano anchor the outfield, the designated hitter position remains unsettled with Luis Arraez and Ryan O’Hearn likely departing.​</p><p>San Diego’s payroll situation provides the perfect storm for this acquisition. Currently projected at approximately $187 million for 2026 before additions , the Padres have roughly $23 million in flexibility to reach their target $210 million payroll. More importantly, their farm system ranks dead last in MLB after their aggressive deadline trades , making it difficult to acquire talent through traditional prospect-heavy deals.​</p><p>For Philadelphia, moving Castellanos represents necessary roster reconstruction. The Phillies need to revamp their entire outfield while upgrading at third base and catcher. Trading Castellanos would free up significant payroll space while allowing top prospect Justin Crawford to claim a starting role.​</p><h2>The Perfect Trade Package</h2><p><b>Philadelphia Phillies receive:</b></p><ul><li>RHP Miguel Mendez (Padres’ No. 5 prospect)</li><li>C Ethan Salas (Padres’ No. 1 prospect, currently injured)</li><li>Cash considerations ($12 million toward Castellanos’ 2026 salary)</li></ul><p><b>San Diego Padres receive:</b></p><ul><li>OF Nick Castellanos</li></ul><p>This trade structure addresses both teams’ primary concerns. The Padres acquire a proven major league bat without surrendering multiple top prospects, while the Phillies receive two high-upside players who fit their long-term timeline. The cash component reduces Castellanos’ effective salary to $8 million for San Diego, making him an affordable risk-reward gamble.​</p><p>Miguel Mendez, a 23-year-old right-hander, offers immediate organizational depth for Philadelphia’s pitching-thin system. Though not elite, he provides the type of controllable arm the Phillies need as they navigate an expensive veteran rotation.​</p><p>Ethan Salas, despite his injury concerns and disappointing 2025 season, remains a tantalizing long-term asset. The 19-year-old catcher was once ranked as high as No. 8 overall and still possesses elite defensive tools behind the plate. For a Phillies organization seeking to upgrade at catcher while planning beyond J.T. Realmuto’s aging curve, Salas represents exactly the type of high-ceiling prospect worth betting on.​</p><h2>Why the Padres Pull the Trigger</h2><p>This trade perfectly aligns with San Diego’s championship window strategy. General Manager A.J. Preller has consistently prioritized immediate talent over prospect preservation, and Castellanos provides veteran leadership and proven production. His career .263/.316/.461 slash line demonstrates the offensive potential that could flourish in Petco Park’s dimensions.​</p><p>The financial structure also works brilliantly for San Diego’s budget constraints. At an effective $8 million after Philadelphia’s cash contribution, Castellanos becomes one of the most affordable designated hitter options available. This allows the Padres to allocate remaining resources toward rotation depth and bullpen reinforcements while maintaining their competitive payroll structure.​</p><p>Most importantly, trading Salas and Mendez doesn’t significantly impact San Diego’s already depleted farm system. With their prospect ranks sitting at the bottom of MLB, the Padres are better served converting remaining talent into major league production rather than hoping for future development. Castellanos provides immediate offensive value that directly contributes to their 2026 championship aspirations.​</p><p>This trade represents the perfect marriage of opportunity and necessity. The Phillies shed an expensive, underperforming veteran while acquiring legitimate prospects for their organizational rebuild. The Padres land a proven bat at a reasonable cost, addressing their designated hitter void without compromising their competitive timeline. Both teams maximize their respective advantages in a deal that enhances their championship pursuits through different pathways.</p><p>For the Padres, landing Castellanos could be the final piece to their championship puzzle. His postseason experience and ability to protect elite hitters like Manny Machado and Tatis makes him invaluable during October baseball. The veteran right fielder has appeared in three consecutive postseasons with Philadelphia, understanding the pressure and intensity that comes with playoff baseball. This intangible quality cannot be understated for a Padres team that has struggled to advance deep into October despite their talented roster. With Castellanos slotting into the middle of their lineup, San Diego immediately becomes more dangerous and unpredictable for opposing pitchers to navigate throughout their championship run.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Padres’ perfect trade offer for Phillies’ Nick Castellanos

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-philadelphia-president-not-sure-bryce-harper-return-elite-form');   ga('set', 'title', 'Phillies president isn’t sure if Bryce Harper will return to ‘elite’ form');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bryce-Harper-of-the-Philadelphia-Phillies-1.jpg"><figcaption>Bill Streicher-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Phillies president isn’t sure if Bryce Harper will return to ‘elite’ form</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-16T11:55:26-07:00">October 16th, 11:55am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-16T11:55:26-07:00">October 16th, 11:55am</time><address><a>Benedetto Vitale</a>Benedetto Vitale is an avid sports writer who is an expert at covering the NFL, college football, NBA, and UFC. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 2016 with a film degree but has since dedicated his career to sports writing.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-orion-kerkering-explains-fatal-error-that-lost-nlds-game-4-to-dodgers">Philadelphia Phillies’ season ended</a> in one of the most brutal errors in league history against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS. With the club turning toward the offseason, the front office will be busy making possible adjustments to the roster. From the sounds of it, team president Dave Dombrowski appears to have questions about Bryce Harper’s longevity with the organization.</p><p>While talking with media members, Dombrowski admitted that he isn’t sure if Harper <a href="https://x.com/SportsRadioWIP/status/1978852962890899532" rel="noopener">is capable of returning</a> to elite form, according to 94 Whip Sports Radio. The Phillies’ president did say that he thinks the just turned 33-year-old first baseman is a good player. But the idea of Bryce Harper being elite is seemingly one Dombrowski can’t answer.</p><p>“I guess we only find out if [Harper] becomes elite [again] or he continues to be good,” said Dombrowski… “Can he rise to the next level again? I don’t really know that answer.”</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Phillies president Dave Dombrowski admits he's unsure if Bryce Harper, who turns 33 today, can return to being an elite player:</p><p>"I guess we only find out if he becomes elite [again] or he continues to be good…Can he rise to the next level again? I don't really know that… <a href="https://t.co/3Sq50fXjQJ">pic.twitter.com/3Sq50fXjQJ</a></p><p>— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsRadioWIP/status/1978852962890899532?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-bryce-harper-injury-otto-kemp">Bryce Harper missed 30 total games</a> in the regular season due to a wrist injury that hindered him throughout the 2025 campaign. Despite that, the eight-time All-Star still managed to own a .261 batting average and .357 OBP while recording 131 hits, 27 home runs, and 75 RBIs.</p><p>Six years remain in his 13-year, $330 million contract, and he has remained productive at the plate despite experiencing injury woes in the 2025 campaign. So, it’s hard to imagine the Phillies moving on from Bryce Harper. Especially considering this team just reached the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the NL.</p><p>However, based on Dombrowski’s comments, the franchise may feel it’s time to begin searching for an eventual replacement at first base. Whether that’s a prospect, a future free agent, or a traded player is yet to be determined.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Phillies president isn’t sure if Bryce Harper will return to ‘elite’ form

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/3-teams-that-could-steal-j-t-realmuto-from-phillies-in-free-agency');   ga('set', 'title', '3 teams that could steal J.T. Realmuto from Phillies in free agency');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Philadelphia-Phillies-catcher-J.T.-Realmuto.jpg"><figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>3 teams that could steal J.T. Realmuto from Phillies in free agency</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-15T18:38:40-07:00">October 15th, 6:38pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-15T18:38:40-07:00">October 15th, 6:38pm</time><address><a>Zachary Howell</a>Zachary Howell is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints focusing on creating premier MLB content. He is a big fan of the Yankees, Oklahoma City Thunder and the Syracuse Orange. In his free time, he likes to be outside or read.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Philadelphia Phillies start off their 2025 offseason disappointed in their short playoff run. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-most-to-blame-for-nlds-loss-to-dodgers">J.T. Realmuto and Co. came up short in the National League Divisional Series, falling 3-1 to the Los Angeles Dodgers</a>. However, the team does not have time to feel bad for itself. The New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Tampa Bay Rays, and others are ready to poach their stars.</p><p>Looking ahead to this year’s free agency market, Kyle Schwarber and Realmuto are two of the biggest names available. Bryce <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-bryce-harper-kyle-schwarber-jt-realmuto-return">Harper wants the Phillies to keep both stars on the team</a>. However, that would require some major spending from general manager Preston Mattingly to keep his current core intact. There will be a bidding war for both if they make it to the open market.</p><p>Realmuto has been an underrated star for years in Philadelphia. Playing alongside sluggers like Harper and Schwarber has pushed him into the shadows. Despite that, he is one of the best catchers in Major League Baseball on both sides of the ball. At 34 years old, the veteran is looking for one more long-term deal to prove that he can still be a key contributor on a contending team.</p><p>There are teams around the league that need a catcher. However, the question is just how much they are willing to spend to take Realmuto away from the Phillies. There are some teams in the NL who would like to do so just to rob Philadelphia of his services. Regardless of the motive, Realmuto is by far the best catcher on the market, even if he is technically past his prime years.</p><p>Kansas City Royals star Salvador Perez is proof that catchers can age gracefully. Here are the three likeliest candidates to make a run at Realmuto this winter.</p><h2>New York Yankees</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Yankees-C-Austin-Wells.jpg"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Austin Wells was a key piece of the Yankees’ run to the 2024 World Series. However, the catcher was quiet throughout the 2025 postseason, putting up subpar numbers at the plate. The pressure is on New York to improve this offseason and return to the inner circle of contenders in 2026. Catcher is a main point of concern and Realmuto fits like a glove in the Bronx.</p><p>Bringing the veteran in as a free agent gives New York manager Aaron Boone a right and left-handed option at catcher that he can deploy in the right situations. Realmuto slashed <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/stats/_/id/32177/jt-realmuto" rel="noopener">.257/.315/.384</a> in 2025, great numbers for a catcher. His postseason numbers over the last two seasons are not a big sample size, but he has shown an ability to come up clutch when the lights get bright.</p><p>At this point, the Yankees cannot afford to leave any stone unturned. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/new-york-yankees/yankees-news-cody-bellinger-25-million-contract-option-decision">New York saw Cody Bellinger decline his $25 million player option</a>, setting up a fascinating situation to monitor this winter. If he moves on, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman can utilize his resources to go star hunting yet again. Realmuto is a slam dunk behind home plate if New York is willing to spend.</p><h2>San Francisco Giants</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Jul-8-2025-San-Francisco-California-USA-San-Francisco-Giants-catcher-Patrick-Bailey-14-hits-a-three-run-home-run-against-the-Philadelphia-Phillies-during-the-ninth-inning-at-Oracle-Park.jpg"><figcaption>© Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Patrick Bailey had his moments for the Giants this season, but it is clear that the team is a piece or two away. At this point, nobody outside of the team’s stars are safe. Realmuto gives San Francisco a much bigger offensive threat while freeing up Bailey to be used in a trade to bring in another big name at the 2026 trade deadline. However, that move will take some convincing.</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/san-francisco-giants/giants-rafael-devers-blockbuster-red-sox-trade">Giants traded for Rafael Devers a few weeks before the deadline</a> this summer. While that move did not work out, it shortened San Francisco’s championship window significantly. Instead of building for the future, the Giants decided to go all-in on their current core. Adding Realmuto would be an even bigger risk in the short term, but his pros far outweigh his cons.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/san-francisco-giants/giants-fire-bob-melvin-after-missing-postseason">San Francisco moved on from Bob Melvin</a> shortly after its season ended. With a new manager comes a new philosophy, but having talented players across the roster becomes even more important. Realmuto is a big upgrade over Bailey and could help the young catcher develop his game while giving the Giants a chance to bounce back and return to the NL postseason.</p><h2>Tampa Bay Rays</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Eloy-Jimenez-catches-a-line-drive.jpg"><figcaption>Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/tampa-bay-rays/stu-sternburg-gave-rays-employees-parting-gifts-after-selling-team">Rays are saying goodbye to Stu Sternberg this offseason</a>, ushering in a new era. Tampa Bay had some bright spots in 2025, but the team’s season was derailed by injuries. Despite all of their struggles, the Rays had a chance at a playoff spot until late in the year. Bringing in the right player could propel the team into the American League playoffs, where anything could happen.</p><p>Realmuto is a massive jump up in value from Nick Fortes and Hunter Feduccia at catcher. The Rays’ pitching staff is one of the best in the entire league, and the veteran is a perfect fit to help them reach their full potential. However, Tampa Bay is a smaller market team and is not nearly as willing to spend on big free agents as their competition will be this offseason.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-jt-realmuto-free-agency-question-postseason">Realmuto has not said much about his mindset heading into the offseason</a>. Despite his refusal to comment on his future, all eyes are on the catcher moving forward. If he leaves Philadelphia, it will be a huge loss for the Phillies. Teams around the league will pursue one of MLB’s best catchers, hoping that he is the final piece to their puzzle.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

3 teams that could steal J.T. Realmuto from Phillies in free agency

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-rumors-kyle-tucker-alex-bregman-insider-urges-roster-overhaul');   ga('set', 'title', 'Phillies rumors: Kyle Tucker? Alex Bregman? Insider urges bombshell roster overhaul');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Philadelphia-Phillies-manager-Rob-Thomson-1.jpg"><figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Phillies rumors: Kyle Tucker? Alex Bregman? Insider urges bombshell roster overhaul</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-15T12:13:13-07:00">October 15th, 12:13pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-15T12:13:13-07:00">October 15th, 12:13pm</time><address><a>Zachary Howell</a>Zachary Howell is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints focusing on creating premier MLB content. He is a big fan of the Yankees, Oklahoma City Thunder and the Syracuse Orange. In his free time, he likes to be outside or read.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Philadelphia Phillies’ postseason ended far sooner than the team wanted it to. Rob Thomson could not fight back against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Divisional Series. With an important offseason looming, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/3-teams-that-could-steal-kyle-schwarber-from-phillies-free-agency">futures of Kyle Schwarber and others are in the air</a>. One insider wants the team to pursue Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, and other big names.</p><p>All-Star first baseman <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-bryce-harper-kyle-schwarber-jt-realmuto-return">Bryce Harper wants the Phillies to do their best to retain Schwarber and J.T. Realmut</a>o. Philadelphia put together a dominant regular season. However, the postseason exposed major weaknesses that have prevented the Phillies from hoisting a World Series trophy since 2008. One Major League Baseball insider suggested a change of pace in the front office.</p><p>Thomson’s roster is full of talent, but some fans want him and the organization to bring in some new faces. According to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, Tucker and Bregman should be on the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6716406/2025/10/15/phillies-roster-overhaul-2026/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=mlbtw&amp;source=mlbtw" rel="noopener">short list of targets</a>. Both players were a part of big trades last offseason that saw them return to their former glory at the plate. Each of them could bring a lot to the Phillies’ clubhouse.</p><p>Bowden suggested changes across Philadelphia’s roster in order to change the team’s attack. However, Thomson and the front office have shown a commitment to the core that is already in place. Despite that, the Phillies know that they need to make a splash this winter. Tucker and Bregman are not the players they used to be, but each could be a difference maker.</p><p>Regardless of what the veterans decide to do, Philadelphia has gone all-in on contending for a title. The Phillies traded for Jhoan Duran at the deadline, adding an elite arm to the roster. Assuming they hold on to Schwarber and Realmuto, the pressure is on for Philadelphia to win the franchise’s third championship.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Phillies rumors: Kyle Tucker? Alex Bregman? Insider urges bombshell roster overhaul

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-rumors-insider-suggests-pete-alonso-pivot-kyle-schwarber-leaves');   ga('set', 'title', 'Phillies rumors: Insider suggests Pete Alonso pivot if Kyle Schwarber leaves');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Mets-1B-Pete-Alonso.jpg"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Phillies rumors: Insider suggests Pete Alonso pivot if Kyle Schwarber leaves</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-15T09:22:56-07:00">October 15th, 9:22am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-15T09:22:56-07:00">October 15th, 9:22am</time><address><a>Matt Wadleigh</a>Matt Wadleigh is a Senior Editor at ClutchPoints who used to lead NCAA Football and NCAA Basketball coverage while also specializing in MLB and NFL coverage. He was born and raised in Oceanside and resides in Fresno with his wife and two dogs. Matthew is a huge Southern California sports fan and a retired member of the Fresno State drumline.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Philadelphia Phillies enter a pivotal offseason after falling short of the World Series once again. The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-lenny-dykstra-uses-8-words-to-sum-up-brutal-nlds-ending">Phillies lost in four games</a> to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS, and questions will be swirling around the ballclub all offseason.</p><p>Perhaps the biggest question is the free agency status of slugger Kyle Schwarber. After the NLDS loss, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-emotional-kyle-schwarber-sounds-off-on-looming-mlb-free-agency">Schwarber weighed in on the impending free agency</a>.</p><p>“I got a lot of respect for the guys in here, our organization, the coaches, the coaching staff, everyone top to bottom. This is a premier organization and a lot of people should feel, you know, very lucky that you’re playing for a team that is trying to win every single year. And you have a fan base that cares and you have ownership that cares and you have coaches that care, you have everyone in the room that cares.”</p><p>The slugger finished the regular season with a .240 batting average with 56 home runs, 132 RBI and 111 runs scored in a monster offensive season. But, there is a chance he gets signed by somebody else, and Jim Bowden of The Athletic mentioned New York Mets star Pete Alonso as a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6716406/2025/10/15/phillies-roster-overhaul-2026/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=mlbtw&amp;source=mlbtw" rel="noopener">potential pivot player</a> in that situation.</p><p>“The Phillies need to find a way to get Schwarber signed — no matter how painful it is in terms of price. If for some reason he departs, then a quick pivot to signing Pete Alonso would make sense,” Bowden wrote.</p><p>“Alonso (31 next season) is younger than Schwarber and played in all 162 games for the second straight season. He was productive in 2025 after a down 2024, belting 38 homers and driving in 126 runs. He’s also another strong clubhouse presence and offers the ability to play first base if the team needs to spell Harper at that spot,” Bowden added.</p><p>Schwarber should get some <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/3-teams-that-could-steal-kyle-schwarber-from-phillies-free-agency">big offers in free agency</a>, and moving on to Alonso could be a smart idea for the Phillies for the reasons Bowden listed. However, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/new-york-mets/mets-rumors-what-pete-alonso-is-seeking-amid-looming-mlb-free-agency-decision">Alonso is reportedly seeking a seven-year deal,</a> so it could also be a large chunk of change for the Phillies to bring him to town.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Phillies rumors: Insider suggests Pete Alonso pivot if Kyle Schwarber leaves

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/3-teams-that-could-steal-kyle-schwarber-from-phillies-free-agency');   ga('set', 'title', '3 teams that could steal Kyle Schwarber from Phillies in free agency');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Philadelphia-Phillies-designated-hitter-Kyle-Schwarber-6.jpg"><figcaption>Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>3 teams that could steal Kyle Schwarber from Phillies in free agency</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-14T14:29:35-07:00">October 14th, 2:29pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-14T14:29:35-07:00">October 14th, 2:29pm</time><address><a>Zachary Howell</a>Zachary Howell is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints focusing on creating premier MLB content. He is a big fan of the Yankees, Oklahoma City Thunder and the Syracuse Orange. In his free time, he likes to be outside or read.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Philadelphia Phillies’ 2025 season ended with a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Divisional Series. Despite an <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/why-kyle-schwarber-will-make-nl-mvp-race-interesting">MVP-caliber season from Kyle Schwarber</a>, the Phillies could not knock off the defending World Series champions. Now, Philadelphia joins teams like the Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, and Kansas City Royals searching for upgrades.</p><p>While the Phillies will be in the market for some big names in the free agency market, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-emotional-kyle-schwarber-sounds-off-on-looming-mlb-free-agency">Philadelphia’s top priority needs to be securing who they already have</a>. Both Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto were key pieces of the Phillies’ roster that are nearly impossible replace if the Phillies cannot bring them back. If either makes it to the open market, they will have many suitors.</p><p>Schwarber struggled throughout the NLDS, failing to figure out the pitchers Dodgers manager Dave Roberts used against him. However, he proved later in the series that <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-kyle-schwarber-home-run-vs-yoshinobu-yamamoto">he can fuel Philadelphia’s offense and change a game with just one swing</a>. When it comes to power hitters in Major League Baseball, Schwarber is right there with Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and Cal Raleigh.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-bryce-harper-kyle-schwarber-jt-realmuto-return">Bryce Harper wants both stars to stay with the Phillies this offseason</a>. Despite his desires, that is much easier said than done. Each of them will be looking for a big payday this winter and both deserve lucrative multi-year contracts. The question is whether or not Philadelphia is willing to pay the amount it will take to keep Schwarber and Realmuto in Phillies jerseys next season.</p><p>If Schwarber wants to hear out other teams as a free agent, plenty of squads will want to have a conversation with him. Here are three of the top contenders to lure the slugger away from Philadelphia in the offseason with a large contract and new opportunities.</p><h2>Kansas City Royals</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_26492782-scaled-1.jpg"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>After making it into the 2024 postseason, the Royals fell short this year. However, that does not mean that Kansas City is done trying to contend in the American League. Bobby Witt Jr. is still one of the best overall players in the league, regardless of what his team’s record was. The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/kansas-city-royals/royals-news-bobby-witt-jr-accomplishes-impressive-feat-with-stolen-base-vs-rangers">Royals infielder etched his name into the MLB record books</a> with a dominant finish to the season.</p><p>While its stars shone all year, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/kansas-city-royals/royals-fatal-flaw-that-will-doom-2025-postseason-hopes">Kansas City struggled to find production outside of its main offensive trio</a>. Jac Caglianone should take a step forward next season, but the Royals need another big bat to reach the next level. Schwarber is a perfect fit, bringing an aggressive mindset to a team that desperately needs it. Despite Kansas City’s market size, it could be a big spender this winter.</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/kansas-city-royals/mlb-rumors-royals-seth-lugo-trade-strategy-could-lead-to-red-soxs-jarren-duran">Royals wanted to bring in an outfielder</a> to complement Witt Jr. in the batting order at the trade deadline. However, the players they brought in did not provide enough of a spark. Schwarber solves that problem easily, adding a new dimension to an offense that could propel the team to the stop of the standings in 2026.</p><h2> Cincinnati Reds</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Cincinnati-Reds-shortstop-Elly-De-La-Cruz.jpg"><figcaption>Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Another team with a star shortstop and not much else, the Reds actually made it into the playoffs. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/cincinnati-reds/bonkers-reds-stat-perfectly-sums-up-stunning-playoff-run">Cincinnati narrowly beat out the New York Mets for the final NL playoff berth</a> at the end of the regular season. However, Elly De La Cruz and Co. realized just how much they have to improve in order to contend with the heavy hitters in the NL. Schwarber could be their key to success.</p><p>Throughout his 2025 campaign with the Phillies, Schwarber slashed <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/stats/_/id/33712/kyle-schwarber" rel="noopener">.240/.365/.563</a>. He got a lot of MVP consideration because of his 56 home runs, but he was an all-around offensive threat. If the Reds brought him in, he and De La Cruz would be one of the best one-two punches in MLB. However, it would require a major offer to take him away from the Phillies this winter.</p><p>Cincinnati is one of many teams in the NL trying to compete with Los Angeles’ expensive roster. While the Milwaukee Brewers showed that teams can have success without paying too much, star power still reins supreme in the baseball world. Adding Schwarber to Cincinnati’s roster puts them on the same level as the league’s elite offenses, even if it breaks the bank.</p><h2>Detroit Tigers</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Tarik-Skubal3.jpg"><figcaption>Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/detroit-tigers/tigers-news-insider-asks-fans-tarik-skubal-trade-question-detroits-playoff-elimination">Tigers’ top priority this offseason is re-signing Tarik Skubal</a>. However, Detroit manager AJ Hinch has a lot to work on after a brutal ALDS loss to the Seattle Mariners. The team’s offense was great, but lacked the consistency that it takes to make a deep postseason run. Adding Schwarber at DH gives Hinch a massive weapon he can put near the top of his batting order.</p><p>During the 2024 offseason, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/detroit-tigers/tigers-news-gleyber-torres-signing-detroit-spurning-nationals">Tigers brought in Gleyber Torres</a>. The former New York Yankees infielder put together an All-Star caliber season, keeping Detroit near the top of the standings throughout the season. However, there was a lack of power behind him that left him stranded on base far too many times. Having Schwarber behind him gives Hinch another true offensive threat.</p><p>The Phillies need to be aggressive in order to stay within the inner circle of World Series contenders. However, keeping Realmuto and Schwarber is a tall task. The latter is one of the biggest free agents that could dominate on the open market. If Philadelphia cannot secure Schwarber on a long-term deal quickly, he could change a team’s outlook in as little as one day.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

3 teams that could steal Kyle Schwarber from Phillies in free agency

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-rumors-rob-thomson-return-manager-other-coaching-changes-likely');   ga('set', 'title', 'Phillies rumors: Rob Thomson to return as manager, other coaching changes ‘likely’');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Phillies-manager-Rob-Thomson-walks-out-to-the-mound.jpg"><figcaption>Brett Davis-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Phillies rumors: Rob Thomson to return as manager, other coaching changes ‘likely’</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-13T11:20:39-07:00">October 13th, 11:20am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-13T11:20:39-07:00">October 13th, 11:20am</time><address><a>Malik Brown</a>Malik Brown is a multimedia reporter based in Atlanta who covers the Hawks and Dream for ClutchPoints. Malik has worked in entertainment and sports, and he specializes in the NBA and NFL.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Philadelphia <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-fans-react-nlds-loss-vs-dodgers-2025">Phillies were once again eliminated in the playoffs</a>, as their chances of competing for a championship have come to an end. With the Phillies being in this situation before, there could be a chance that <a href="https://x.com/BNightengale/status/1977785096888537497" rel="noopener">there are changes made</a> around the staff, but Rom Thomson seems safe, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.</p><p>“The Philadelphia Phillies announce they will hold end-of-year press conference on Thursday. Manager Rob Thomson will be in attendance, and is returning as manager. There likely will be coaching change,” Nightengale wrote on X, formerly Twitter.</p><p>After their loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-rob-thomson-isnt-thinking-job-security-nlds-loss">Thomson was asked about his job security</a>.</p><p>“That’s out of my control. I’m not even thinking about it. I’ve got 60 people on there, that are heartbroken, so I’m thinking about that, more so than my job,” Thomson said.</p><p>Thomson is under contract through 2026, so there was a good chance that he would return for the Phillies, but it will be interesting to see what moves they make on the coaching staff to help the team. The Phillies have continued to build a solid team over the past few years, and at this point, it’s time for them to get over the hump.</p><p>Thomson has been with the Phillies since 2018 as he was initially hired as a bench coach, and then he took over as the interim manager in 2022. After leading them to their first postseason appearance since 2011, he was named the full-time manager in October 2022. His winning percentage with the club is the best in franchise history and has led them to two straight NL East titles.</p><p>Every year, the Phillies seem to increase their regular season win total, but there only problem comes when the playoffs start. If they can get over that hump, it will be a long time coming for the club.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Phillies rumors: Rob Thomson to return as manager, other coaching changes ‘likely’

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-rumors-rob-thomson-safe-playoff-crashout');   ga('set', 'title', 'Phillies rumors: Is Rob Thomson’s job safe after playoff crashout?');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Oct-4-2025-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-USA-Philadelphia-Phillies-manager-Rob-Thomson-speaks-with-the-media.jpg"><figcaption>© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Phillies rumors: Is Rob Thomson’s job safe after playoff crashout?</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-13T11:01:18-07:00">October 13th, 11:01am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-13T11:01:18-07:00">October 13th, 11:01am</time><address><a href="https://linktr.ee/colinloughran">Colin Loughran</a>Colin Loughran is a NYC-based Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. He has spent several years covering sports and has worked for outlets such as the New York Post, AP Radio, and FanSided. Colin is also a three-time NYSBA award winner and a proud graduate of Fordham University.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-lenny-dykstra-uses-8-words-to-sum-up-brutal-nlds-ending">Philadelphia Phillies may have underachieved this postseason,</a> but fans should not expect any sweeping changes to define the team’s offseason.</p><p>According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Phillies <a href="https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/1977778061887111461" rel="noopener">are expected</a> to bring back <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-rob-thomson-isnt-thinking-job-security-nlds-loss">manager Rob Thomson</a> despite the team’s NLDS exit.</p><p>Thomson has managed Philadelphia since the middle of the 2022 season and has led the club to a 346-251 record since taking over for Joe Girardi. Despite winning the National League East crown in 2025, the Phillies were defeated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in a four-game NLDS.</p><p>It seems as though Thomson <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6707023/2025/10/11/phillies-offseason-2026-roster-schwarber-realmuto-rob-thomson/" rel="noopener">has the support of his players</a> after the devastating loss to Los Angeles.</p><p>“I love Topper, man,” Phillies All-Star Bryce Harper told The Athletic. “He’s done a great job for us. I don’t know what the future holds. I have no idea. I think that’s a (Dave) Dombrowski question. But obviously, we love Thomper in here. He’s been great for us.”</p><p>Thomson attempted to comfort Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering after the 24-year-old made a sloppy throw that ended their season in the 11th inning of Game 4. The skipper took <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/phillies-comfort-orion-kerkering-after-nlds-ending-error" rel="noopener">roughly six seconds</a> after the snafu to console the distressed youngster.</p><p>“Just keep his head up,” Thomson told MLB.com when asked what he said to Kerkering in those six seconds. “He just got caught up in the moment a little bit. … I feel for him because he’s putting it all on his shoulders. But we win as a team and we lose as a team.”</p><p>It remains to be seen what potential moves the Phillies could make in anticipation of the 2026 season, but Thomson and the core could return with a vengeance.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Phillies rumors: Is Rob Thomson’s job safe after playoff crashout?

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/mlb-rumors-insider-advocates-aaron-boone-rob-thomson-stay-despite-playoff-exit');   ga('set', 'title', 'MLB rumors: Insider advocates for Aaron Boone, Rob Thomson to stay put despite playoff exit');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Yankees-manager-Aaron-Boone.jpg?w=1024"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>MLB rumors: Insider advocates for Aaron Boone, Rob Thomson to stay put despite playoff exit</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-10T11:56:22-07:00">October 10th, 11:56am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-10T11:56:22-07:00">October 10th, 11:56am</time><address><a href="https://linktr.ee/jordan.llanes">Jordan Llanes</a>Jordan Llanes is a sports writer and reporter based in Florida. In addition to ClutchPoints, he writes for a few other publications covering the NFL, college sports and Tottenham Hotspur. When he's not writing, Jordan enjoys spending time with his fiancée, cats, family and friends, as well as catching the latest TV shows and movies, and traveling.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>After strong regular seasons, many expected both the New York Yankees and Philadelphia <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-most-to-blame-for-nlds-loss-to-dodgers">Phillies to make deep runs</a> this postseason. However, both teams lost in four games in each of their respective Division Series matchups. Now, the Yankees and Phillies need to decide if they will run it back next season with both of their current managers, Aaron Boone and Rob Thomson. On Friday, ESPN’s Buster Olney and Karl Ravech weighed in on those decisions. ESPN Podcasts <a href="https://x.com/espnpodcasts/status/1976661320784298094" rel="noopener">shared the two’s thoughts</a> via X, formerly Twitter.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">"I've never seen an example of where a manager is responsible for the outcome of a game, let alone a series."<a href="https://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Buster_ESPN</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/karlravechespn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@karlravechespn</a> on why Rob Thomson and Aaron Boone should keep their jobs. <a href="https://t.co/2IBoQtmvxm">pic.twitter.com/2IBoQtmvxm</a></p><p>— ESPN Podcasts (@espnpodcasts) <a href="https://twitter.com/espnpodcasts/status/1976661320784298094?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>“I’ve never seen an example of where a manager is responsible for the outcome of a game, let alone a series,” opined Ravech on Friday.</p><p>Ravech’s thoughts make sense, especially in today’s game. GMs across the game have more influence than ever on what goes on inside a major league dugout. With the advent of analytics, front offices have more and more sway on what happens on the field. While a lot was expected of both the Phillies and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/new-york-yankees/yankees-news-fans-rip-devin-williams-game-4-disaster">Yankees, each team flamed out,</a> not even reaching their respective leagues’ Championship Series. Should both heavyweights fire their managers and start fresh next season? Or should Thomson and Boone get another shot in 2026?</p><h2><b>Will the Yankees and Phillies decide to let go of their managers?<br></b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Phillies-manager-Rob-Thomson.jpg"><figcaption>Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>While Thomson and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/new-york-yankees/why-yankees-must-keep-aaron-boone-despite-playoff-loss">Boone are in charge</a> of their respective teams on the field, their bosses clearly run the show. Yankees GM Brian Cashman and Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski are two of baseball’s most respected and tenured leaders. Cashman has run the Bronx Bombers since 1998. Dombrowski has been in charge of Philadelphia since 2021. Both baseball ops heads have won multiple World Series titles.</p><p>However, it’s fair to say that both of them should be on the hot seat in addition to their managers. For as talented as the Yankees and Phillies have been, both rosters have had their flaws. Boone needed more out of a lineup that went mostly cold in their ALDS matchup, as well as a bullpen that didn’t live up to expectations. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/philadelphia-phillies/phillies-news-rob-thomson-isnt-thinking-job-security-nlds-loss">Thomson managed a talented core</a> in Philadelphia, yet they’ve also come up short multiple times now. If both of these historic franchises want to get back to the World Series, should they each consider cleaning house? If so, then Thomson and Boone shouldn’t be the only men on the hot seat this winter.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

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