The Phillies enter the 2026 offseason with several key players hitting free agency — including Kyle Schwarber, Ranger Suárez and J.T. Realmuto — as the front office faces major roster decisions following another postseason run.
This tracker will update throughout the winter as players re-sign, move on or have contract options resolved.
Latest Updates
Thursday, Nov. 6: The Phillies have tendered qualifying offers to Kyle Schwarber and Ranger Suárez, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Wednesday, Nov. 5: The Phillies exercised José Alvarado’s $9 million club option for 2026.
Tuesday, Nov. 4: Harrison Bader declines his $10 million mutual option and becomes a free agent.
Sunday, Nov. 2: Free agency official begins. There will be a five-day period before players have the ability to negotiate and sign with organizations.
Current free-agents
Kyle Schwarber, DH
2025: 162 G, .240/.365/.563, 56 HR, 132 RBI, .928 OPS, 4.7 WAR
Schwarber’s contract year was one of the best in recent memory. The slugger led the Majors in homers and RBIs, marking his fourth straight 38-plus homer season — all in Philadelphia. His production and leadership made him a cornerstone of the offense once again.
“He’s a priority for us,” president Dave Dombrowski said entering the offseason.
Sean Kane and Spencer McKercher both hope and want Kyle Schwarber to return next season, but what could the contract look like? They discuss on the latest Phillies Talk podcast.
J.T. Realmuto, C
2025: 134 G, .257/.315/.384, 12 HR, 52 RBI, .700 OPS, 2.6 WAR
The veteran catcher’s seven-year run in Philadelphia could end this winter. Known for his defensive leadership and steady handling of the pitching staff, Realmuto’s offensive numbers dipped in 2025, but the free-agent market for catchers is thin — a factor that could keep him in play for a short-term reunion.
The Phillies Talk podcast crew takes a closer look at what a potential contract could look like for J.T. Realmuto.
Harrison Bader, OF
2025: 146 G, .277/.347/.449, 17 HR, 54 RBI, .796 OPS, 4.2 WAR
Bader’s energy and defense transformed the Phillies’ outfield after his trade-deadline arrival. His track record of injuries may shape how aggressive teams get in free agency, which could give Philadelphia a window to bring him back on a short-term, affordable deal to anchor center field again.
OF Harrison Bader declined his portion of his mutual option for 2026 and will become a free agent.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) November 5, 2025
Tom McCarthy caught up with Harrison Bader in the locker room after the Phillies clinched the NL East with a win over the Dodgers on Monday night.
Max Kepler, OF
2025: 127 G, .216/.300/.391, 18 HR, 52 RBI, .691 OPS, 0.0 WAR
Kepler’s first season in Philadelphia started slow but ended with him settling into a steady platoon role for Rob Thomson. A return seems unlikely, but you could make a case to bring the 33-year-old back as a left-handed fourth outfielder with experience.
It hasn’t been an easy year for Max Kepler in his first season with the Phillies, but he explains how as the season goes on, he’s felt more comfortable in his new setting.
Ranger Suárez, SP
2025: 26 GS, 12–8, 3.20 ERA, 157.1 IP, 151 K, 1.22 WHIP
Suárez once again provided stability at the top of the Phillies’ rotation. The 30-year-old left-hander is expected to draw heavy interest across the league, given his steady production. His October dominance only adds to his value entering free agency.
Ricky Bottalico and Danny Pommells discuss the likelihood that free agents Kyle Schwarber, Harrison Bader, Ranger Suarez and J. T. Realmuto will stay with the Phillies this offseason.
Walker Buehler, SP
2025: 24 GS, 10–7, 4.93 ERA, 126 IP, 92 K, 1.52 WHIP
Before being claimed off waivers by the Phillies, Buehler struggled in Boston, posting a 5.45 ERA. But in 13 2/3 innings with Philadelphia, he allowed just one earned run, showing flashes of his old form. The 31-year-old profiles as a low-risk, high-reward signing candidate this winter.
Rob Thomson and Walker Buehler were both asked if they believe Buehler is going to be on the postseason roster.
José Alvarado, RP (Club Option — $9 million)
2025: 28 G, 4–2, 3.81 ERA, 26 IP, 32 K, 1.31 WHIP
The Phillies have exercised the club option on left-handed pitcher José Alvarado for the 2026 season.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) November 5, 2025
Analysis: Even with an 80-game suspension and a late-season forearm strain, Alvarado remains one of the hardest-throwing lefties in the game. The Phils struggled with their bullpen depth down the stretch, so a full season of Alvarado should provide Thomson with plenty of flexibility.
Rob Thomson met with the media to discuss Jose Alvarado’s return to the Phillies ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Mariners.
Jordan Romano, RP
2025: 49 G, 2–4, 8.23 ERA, 42.2 IP, 47 K, 1.45 WHIP
Romano never found his rhythm in 2025. Shifting in and out of the closer role, the right-hander struggled to regain the form that once made him a reliable late-inning arm in Toronto.
Jordan Romano allowed six earned runs in the ninth inning, in what he calls the “worst outing of my career”. He explains what went wrong.
David Robertson, RP
2025: 20 G, 2–0, 4.08 ERA, 17.2 IP, 22 K, 1.47 WHIP
Robertson rejoined the Phillies for the third stint of his career ahead of the trade deadline. The 41-year-old flashed moments of effectiveness early, but opponents began squaring him up more consistently down the stretch — likely signaling the end of his long career.
David Robertson met with the media on Monday and spoke on his decision to sign with the Phillies.
Tim Mayza, RP
2025: 15 G, 0–0, 3.78 ERA, 16.2 IP, 15 K, 1.32 WHIP
Claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh to bolster the bullpen late in the summer, Mayza struggled in limited work with Philadelphia (4.91 ERA). The left-hander isn’t expected to be a candidate for re-signing this offseason.
After Tim Mayza hit Ketel Marte, the Diamondbacks took exception. In the next inning, Eduardo Rodriguez threw behind Weston Wilson, much to dismay of Rob Thomson.
Lou Trivino, RP
2025: 47 G, 3–2, 3.97 ERA, 47.2 IP, 37 K, 1.34 WHIP
Trivino appeared in just 10 games for the Phillies but allowed only two earned runs. After missing two full seasons recovering from injury, the right-hander pieced together a steady 2025 campaign and profiles as a reliable, budget-friendly bullpen option.