How are the Phillies prioritizing their offseason moves?

The Phillies' main focus this offseason is on re-signing outfielder Kyle Schwarber, one of their clubhouse leaders. Acquiring a starting pitcher is not their highest priority, but they may look to add a lower-level starter to provide depth.

What is the status of Zack Wheeler's recovery for the Phillies?

Zack Wheeler is still working his way back from thoracic outlet syndrome, adding uncertainty to the Phillies' starting rotation heading into the 2026 season.

Home / Sports / Phillies Seek Pitching Depth Ahead of 2026 Season

Phillies Seek Pitching Depth Ahead of 2026 Season

Q: What is the Philadelphia Phillies' plan for their starting rotation in 2026?

The Phillies' starting rotation for 2026 is expected to include Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, Aaron Nola, Taijuan Walker, and top prospect Andrew Painter, but the team may need to add a back-end starter due to the potential loss of Ranger Suarez in free agency.

16 Nov

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Summary

Phillies may lose Ranger Suarez to free agency
Rotation includes Wheeler, Sanchez, Luzardo, Nola, Walker, Painter
Phillies looking for back-end starter, not top-of-the-line pitcher

Phillies Seek Pitching Depth Ahead of 2026 Season

As of November 16th, 2025, the Philadelphia Phillies are preparing for the upcoming 2026 MLB season with a potential need for a starting pitcher. The team is expected to lose Ranger Suarez in free agency this offseason, as he is projected to secure a lucrative, nine-figure contract.

This leaves the Phillies' starting rotation in a state of flux, consisting of Zack Wheeler, who is still recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome, as well as Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, Aaron Nola, Taijuan Walker, and top prospect Andrew Painter. While this group appears strong on paper, the Phillies lack significant depth beyond these six starters.

President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski acknowledged the team's need for pitching depth, stating that they may look to sign a back-end starter, though it is not their highest priority this offseason. Instead, the Phillies' main focus is on re-signing one of their clubhouse leaders, outfielder Kyle Schwarber.

The Phillies understand the importance of having a strong pitching staff, but they will likely target a lower-level starter rather than a top-of-the-line free agent. The team's priority is to bolster their offense and retain key players, with pitching depth being a secondary concern as they prepare for the 2026 season.

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