PHILADELPHIA -- Here are a few Phillies questions and answers from an AMA this week on Reddit. Read the full AMA here.
How heavily does Kyle Schwarber control the Phillies’ free agency plans? I would imagine they can't pull the trigger on any larger trades or alternative free-agent signings until that big domino falls. How does that impact their ability to be aggressive in the offseason?
He controls it quite a bit. I was talking to somebody just the other day about the Phillies' Plans B, C, etc. There's no reason to rush into those plans yet. The Phils have time to make something happen with Schwarber. But there will come a time when they have to do something -- unless it's clear there's not much of a market for Schwarber, other than the Phillies.
Don't misunderstand me. There is a market for Schwarber. But back in the 2020-21 offseason, it was clear J.T. Realmuto didn't have a bunch of teams beating down his door once the Mets signed James McCann. The Phillies could afford to be relatively patient then. Realmuto signed his five-year deal in late January 2021.
How would re-signing Schwarber affect the team’s ability to re-sign Jesús Luzardo or sign other talent? What do we do with Alec Bohm after the 2026 season?
I don't think it’ll affect Luzardo. Remember, Nick Castellanos' $20 million and Taijuan Walker's $18 million will be coming off the books next year. That should allow them to sign somebody like Luzardo to an extension.
Not sure about Bohm after 2026. He could be traded. They could just let him go, if Aidan Miller looks like he’s ready to step in.
Legit chance of an Adley Rutschman trade? Would team prefer him over J.T. Realmuto?
I think the team would prefer Realmuto. First, they know his value to the pitching staff and the clubhouse. Second, he'll only cost money, while I'm sure the Orioles are going to want a haul in return for Rutschman.
As an aside, look at Rutschman’s offensive numbers catching vs. DH-ing. Quite a contrast.
Thoughts on Bohm being traded this offseason?
He keeps getting mentioned because they tried to trade him last winter, and if they're going to shake up the offense it's an obvious place to start. The Mets just traded Brandon Nimmo, who had been with the team for 10 years. David Stearns said they needed to do it following their failures this year.
Almost everything should be on the table this winter for the Phillies.
What do the Phillies need to do to unload Castellanos?
They’ll probably need to eat almost all of his $20 million salary. Maybe they'll get lucky late in the offseason and a couple teams that got shut out for a right-handed-hitting corner outfielder will agree to pay some of his salary to take a flier that Castellanos bounces back from the worst year of his career. If the Phillies can't do that, they'll probably just release him before Spring Training.
What's the best way to process my grief when the day comes this offseason that Ranger Suárez signs with another team?
The best way? I'd say pour yourself your favorite drink -- it can be anything from water to something a little stiffer -- find a quiet place, sit down, take a sip and just reflect on how much fun it was to watch Ranger pitch the past several years. I understand why the Phillies can't bring back everybody, but it doesn't mean it's not going to hurt the rotation once he's gone.
Any must eat/drink spots during Spring Training? I've been going for many years but love to hear the favorite haunts of other regulars, if you're willing to share of course!
Every spring, I put together a Clearwater travel guide for my Phillies Beat newsletter. (Subscribe here.) I always ask the Phillies broadcasters to share their top three restaurant recommendations in the Clearwater area. Keep an eye out for the next one in early February.
If you’re headed down beforehand, here’s what I wrote this February.