Rookie Justin Crawford, also 22, is expected to help fill the gap left by Bader as the team’s starting centerfielder.
After seeing Dante Nori play for Italy in the World Baseball Classic, fans may be hopeful to see the 2024 first-round pick with the big league squad. With the Phillies’ roster mostly set for the 2026 season and Nori still only 21, it may be a while before Nori makes his major league debut.
Circle these dates on the calendar
Fans wanting redemption against the World Series champion Dodgers may want to circle a few dates this summer. The Dodgers will be at Citizens Bank Park July 20-22. The Mets are also in town the weekend before, July 18-19.
Notable promotions at the ballpark include Hatfield Phillies Franks BOGO Night on March 31, April 13 and April 28. Fireworks shows will be held June 30 and July 1.
On Aug. 7, Chase Utley will be inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame. Utley played second base for the 2008 World Series championship team.
“Chase Utley was a crucial part of one of the two greatest runs in our club’s 143-year history,” said Phillies Managing Partner and CEO John Middleton in a release.
Fans interested in a road trip might want to check out the “MLB at Field of Dreams” game in Iowa on Aug. 13 between the Phillies and Twins.
“Major League Baseball is delighted to return to Iowa in 2026 and to deliver an experience like no other to the Twins, the Phillies, their players, our two Minor League teams, and fans across the game,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a release.
All-Star Game returns to Philadelphia
The MLB All-Star Game will be played Tuesday, July 14, with Philly hosting for the first time since 1996. It’ll be the first-ever All-Star game at Citizens Bank Park, as the ‘96 game was played at Veterans Stadium. As usual, the Home Run Derby will be the day before the All-Star Game, Monday, July 13.
Schwarber was named MVP of the Midsummer Classic last year.
New food offerings at Citizens Bank Park
Fans heading down to South Philly to see the Phils play will be greeted with a bevy of new food and drink options at the ballpark.
Additions to the menu this year include a few options inspired by players. Sánchez Sliders feature “a duo of honey-stung chicken tenders tossed in a house-made hot spice blend and served on potato rolls with Grillo’s Pickles, garlic aioli and Mike’s Hot Honey,” according to a release by the Phillies and Aramark.
Looking for a sweet treat on a warm summer night? A Schwarbomb Sundae might be in order, described as a “shareable-sized sundae worthy of a Kyle Schwarber moonshot.”
For the more adventurous eaters and drinkers, fans can once again take on the 9-9-9 Challenge: nine miniature hot dogs and nine flight-sized beers to consume over nine innings of baseball. Extra hot dogs and beers are not included for extra innings.