Philadelphia Phillies

A former Philadelphia Phillies star is finally in the Baseball Hall of Fame after spending a decade on the ballot. Announced during an MLB Network broadcast, ex-Philles closer Billy Wagner learned that he would be inducted into the Hall in the 2025 class. Widely considered to be the best left-handed reliever of all time it is only fitting that he make his way to Cooperstown. The closer won't be remembered for his time in Philadelphia first, though he did spend two stellar seasons with the team.

The Philadelphia Phillies approached the 2024 MLB trade deadline looking to add a right-handed hitting outfielder and a reliever to add more depth to the back end of their bullpen. Hays spent the majority of his time with the organization on the injured list, and when he was healthy he was forcibly put in an everyday role that he was not meant for. Estevez had good surface-level numbers after joining the Phillies, but under the hood, there was a drastic decline from the numbers he posted with the Angels to begin the year.

The Phillies are one of baseball's behemoths. When the offseason is over and spring training begins, the Phils will likely have a payroll over $305 million. It will be higher than the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox and other traditional big spenders. After decades of pinching pennies while at Veterans Stadium and acting like a small market team, John Middleton's squad is now one the game's titans, and will remain so for the foreseeable future.

He was a secret weapon in 2023, a rising reliever in 2024 and will be one of the Phillies' most important players in 2025. "It'll be a fun task to handle," Orion Kerkering thinks.

The Philadelphia Phillies will once again be among the best teams in baseball, as they are projected by some to remain atop the National League East despite an offseason that has lacked a blockbuster acquisition. Things could certainly change between now and when Spring Training begins. The starting rotation is locked in place as is the starting lineup. Here are four players worth keeping an eye on in Spring Training who could factor into the mix for an Opening Day roster spot.

The Philadelphia Phillies are facing a crucial season with the championship window for their core of stars closing sooner rather than later. The team is projected for a $284 million payroll this year, with at least $20 million going to the likes of Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, Trea Turner, Bryce Harper and Zack Wheeler.

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper was out and enjoying his last weeks before spring training on Monday night, taking in the College Football Playoff championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame. In addition to Harper, NBA star and Ohio native LeBron James was in attendance as well. A noted Ohio State fan, Harper has been around the Buckeyes multiple times this season, appearing on a FOX Sports pregame show back in October from Columbus.

The saying is, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, and for the Philadelphia Phillies, they've had a lot of success when making deals with their division rival Miami Marlins. What comes out of the Jesus Luzardo trade from earlier this offseason will be seen, but if he can be a key part of the rotation for the next two years, then it's hard to imagine Philadelphia wouldn't look back fondly on that deal, either.

Former Philadelphia Phillies catcher Andrew Knapp was loved by many during his time with the team. Knapp put together an excellent career for himself, playing in part of seven big league seasons. Throughout his career, he appeared in 328 games, slashing .209/.309/.312 with a 67 OPS+. After a long baseball journey, the California native announced via his Instagram that he's decided to hang them up, putting an end to his career at 33 years old.

The Philadelphia Phillies seem to be on the cusp of losing one of their best relievers who is currently a free agent. Just days after Jeff Hoffman headed to the Toronto Blue Jays coming off the best season of his career, Carlos Estévez appears to be close to landing a deal with another team as well. Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported on Sunday that the market for Estévez is heating up in the wake of major dominoes Tanner Scott and A.J. Minter falling over the weekend. According to Morosi, both the Blue Jays as well as the Chicago Cubs are interested in Estévez along with 'several' other teams.

It once looked like the Philadelphia Phillies were going to trade Alec Bohm this offseason. Dave Dombrowski has pulled off some late moves in the past, so if he's still eyeing making a blockbuster, then it likely involves trading Bohm. Well, the ever-present rumors surrounding Philadelphia and Nolan Arenado continues to sit out in the ether with the St. Louis Cardinals looking to ship him out town this winter.

The Philadelphia Phillies weren't able to sign Roki Sasaki. Philadelphia has question marks in their bullpen after Jeff Hoffman departed and Carlos Estevez is expected to do the same, but since this is the first time Aoyagi will face Major League hitting, it's not a given his game will translate to this level.

Last offseason one of the Philadelphia Phillies' free-agent signings was utility infielder Whit Merrifield. MLB.com's Mark Bowman, who covers the Atlanta Braves, wrote in his Braves roster preview that Merrifield was a good fit in Atlanta late last season, but the soon-to-be 36-year-old player is considering retirement.

The word around town is that the New York Mets are moving on from Pete Alonso, as while the slugger

The Philadelphia Phillies reeled in left fielder Brandon Marsh and added outfielder Max Kepler this offseason, but they may not

Bob Uecker, a former baseball catcher, actor and longtime Milwaukee Brewers broadcaster, died Thursday, the Brewers announced. He was 90. Uecker had small-cell lung cancer and was diagnosed in 2023, his family said. “He brought joy to countless listeners through his wit, charisma, and love for baseball, Milwaukee, and all of Wisconsin, creating a legacy …

Crowded bullpen? No problem. Any chance that an MLB team can get to add elite talent is never one that

The New York Mets have been busy this winter, and one of their most notable signings was bringing back starting

The Phillies' top three prospects are among a group of 23 non-roster invitees to spring training. Here is the full list with details.

Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos believes the NL MVP should have been given to a Mets player, and he’s not talking about Francisco Lindor. Castellanos’ 2024 NL MVP pick? Jose Iglesias.

Tanner Scott rumors dominate MLB hot stove with spring training on the horizon.

Chase Utley led the Phillies to a World Series and received fairly strong support in his first Hall of Fame bid.

The Phillies avoided salary arbitration with six players on Thursday, the deadline for players and teams to exchange figures.

The Red Sox should still look to add a right-handed bat and another relief pitcher this offseason. Here are the best fits remaining on the free-agent market.

The expected timeline for the Detroit Tigers to contend for a championship is accelerating, as MLB.com predicts a World Series appearance in 2025.

The Philadelphia Phillies could look to their best player to lead off their batting order next season. Phillies considering Bryce

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Toronto Blue Jays have shown interest in signing All-Star closer

The Boston Red Sox might be one or two moves away from being considered legitimate contenders in the American League.

With the dust mostly settled on their offseason, a projection of the Phillies' 2025 lineups and most important players against right-handed and left-handed pitchers.

Chicago sent minor league right-hander Aaron Combs to Philadelphia for the 31-year-old Gilbert, who had a 3.24 ERA in six relief appearances with the Phillies last season.

Williams, 32, has a 4.30 ERA in 202 major league appearances with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets and Washington Nationals since making his debut in 2016.