Phillies Offseason Moves: Acquisitions and Trade Rumors

The Philadelphia Phillies have made significant moves during the 2025 offseason, notably losing right-handed pitcher Griff McGarry to the Washington Nationals in the Rule 5 Draft. McGarry, a 26-year-old who had a standout season with 124 strikeouts in 83.2 innings, was not added to the Phillies' 40-man roster by the November 18 deadline, making him a prime candidate for selection. The Nationals, under new president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, selected McGarry with the third overall pick, indicating their need for pitching as they embark on a rebuilding phase.

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In response to this loss, the Phillies acquired 23-year-old pitcher Yoniel Curet from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for minor-league reliever Tommy McCollum. Curet, who has shown promise with a fastball reaching 98 mph, struggled with control but posted a 3.90 ERA across three minor-league levels in 2025. The Phillies are likely to utilize Curet as a reliever, aiming to refine his command and leverage his strikeout potential.

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As the offseason progresses, the Phillies are exploring various trade options to bolster their roster. One prominent target is left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore of the Washington Nationals. Gore, a former top prospect, had a challenging 2025 season but demonstrated significant strikeout ability. The Phillies are reportedly considering a trade package that could include outfielder Justin Crawford and McGarry, aiming to secure Gore's services as they seek to strengthen their rotation.

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Additionally, the Phillies are rumored to be interested in outfielder Jarren Duran from the Boston Red Sox. Duran, who had a productive 2025 season, could provide the Phillies with much-needed depth in the outfield, especially if they part ways with Nick Castellanos. The potential trade of Alec Bohm for Duran has also been floated, suggesting a strategic shift in the Phillies' lineup.

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Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has emphasized the team's commitment to improving their roster. He noted the importance of finding the right balance between retaining key players and making necessary trades. Dombrowski stated, “We’re always looking to get better,” highlighting the team's proactive approach during the offseason.

Amid trade rumors, Dave Dombrowski expresses confidence in Alec Bohm – Phillies Nation

Despite the optimism surrounding the Phillies' offseason moves, some analysts express concern over the potential cost of acquiring players like Gore. Critics argue that trading away top prospects, such as Crawford or Aidan Miller, could jeopardize the team's long-term success. The Phillies' farm system is already considered thin, raising questions about the sustainability of their win-now strategy.

Phillies potential trade target: MacKenzie Gore

As the offseason unfolds, the Phillies are expected to continue their pursuit of impactful trades while also focusing on re-signing key players like catcher J.T. Realmuto. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly influence the team's direction heading into the 2026 season. The Phillies' ability to navigate the trade market effectively will be crucial in their quest to remain competitive in the National League East.

Phillies lost one possible J.T. Realmuto replacement after Nationals-Mariners trade