Philadelphia Phillies News

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Aaron Nola • SP • Phillies

Optimism Still Exists for Aaron Nola in 2026

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola is coming off the worst season of his big-league career. Injuries limited him to just 17 starts and fewer than 100 innings in 2025, and he ultimately finished the year with a staggering 6.01 ERA and 4.58 FIP. His 9.25 K/9 and 2.67 BB/9 rates were fine, but his home run rate ballooned to a whopping 1.72 HR/9, which is a career high. Meanwhile, his ground ball rate dipped to 42.5%, the second-lowest mark of his career. Understandably, managers are worried about the 11-year veteran's outlook going forward. However, some of the underlying metrics suggest he's due to bounce back. Most notably, Nola had a 3.71 xFIP last year, indicating that he was unlucky and vastly underperformed expectations. His 4.12 xERA suggests similar. Still armed with an elite knuckle curve and above-average fastball, Nola has the skill set to bounce back and meet or exceed his expected metrics in 2026. His rough 2025 is baked into his current ranking as the #59 starter in RotoBaller's draft rankings, and managers should consider drafting him as a low-risk, high-upside rotation piece.

18 hours ago

Andrew Painter • SP • Phillies

Andrew Painter Showing Improved Command in Spring Training

Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson said that right-handed pitching prospect Andrew Painter's command is back in spring training, according to Devan Kaney of 94WIP.com. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said that command was the main aspect of Painter's game that needed to improve after his season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2025. The 22-year-old has a legitimate shot to win an Opening Day rotation spot with the Phillies out of camp after going 5-6 with a 5.40 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, and 111:46 K:BB in 106 2/3 innings over 22 starts for the Iron Pigs last year. Understandably, his command wasn't in top form since it was his first full year back from Tommy John surgery. Command issues aside last year, Painter's stuff was intact, making him an attractive buy-low candidate in redraft leagues. Painter is MLB Pipeline's No. 28 overall prospect going into 2026 and could be part of Philly's rotation for most, if not all, of the season.

19 hours ago

Andrew Painter • SP • Phillies

Andrew Painter in Strong Contention for Rotation Spot

Philadelphia Phillies right-handed pitching prospect Andrew Painter is in serious consideration for one of the final spots in the Phillies starting rotation. With Zack Wheeler (elbow) on the shelf to open the season, the team's top pitching prospect appears to be in serious consideration for one of the final spots. However, given his struggles last season, the team could turn to a veteran option for the short term. Last summer, Painter made his return from Tommy John but stumbled in his first look at Triple-A. After not pitching since the 2022 season, the former first-round pick logged 106 2/3 innings to the tune of a 5.40 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP. While he showed solid strikeout upside, tallying 111, he served up 46 free passes. Managers should continue to keep an eye on his development as he could hold some short-term upside in deeper formats if he were to earn a taste of the big leagues to begin the season. However, if these command issues linger in spring training, the Phillies may opt to keep him at Triple-A.

23 hours ago

Alec Bohm • 3B • Phillies

Alec Bohm Expected to Bat Cleanup for Phillies in 2026?

Philadelphia Phillies corner infielder Alec Bohm will "most likely" hit fourth, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. Zolecki said that manager Rob Thomson indicated Bohm is the frontrunner for the cleanup spot, but he also mentioned Adolis Garcia and J.T. Realmuto as candidates in the mix to bat fourth. Bohm played 120 games last year, slashing .287/.331/.409 with 11 home runs, a 5.8% walk rate, a 16.3% strikeout rate, and 105 wRC+. He spent most of the season at the hot corner but also logged some appearances at first base, which is where he could end up eventually if infield prospect Aidan Miller debuts and takes over at third. Hitting fourth creates plenty of RBI opportunities for Bohm, so he definitely carries some upside into the 2026 season. Still, he currently ranks as the #26 third baseman in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings.

3 days ago

Adolis García • RF • Phillies

Adolis Garcia to Hit Cleanup for Phillies?

The Philadelphia Phillies were seeking lineup protection for first baseman Bryce Harper and more right-handed pop this offseason, which is why they brought in outfielder Adolis Garcia in free agency on a one-year deal. NBC Sports' Cole Weintraub writes that the Phillies are hoping Garcia can return to his 2022-23 form in Texas and slide into the team's cleanup spot. However, a cold spring from Garcia could push designated hitter Kyle Schwarber to the four-hole after he had a .955 OPS in 2025. The 32-year-old Garcia will start in right field in his first year in Philly, but he's a gamble in fantasy baseball drafts after posting a sub-.700 OPS in back-to-back seasons. His .675 OPS last year ranked 117th out of 123 qualified hitters, and he also hit fewer than 20 homers for the first time in his career. Still, there are worse players to take a chance on in a favorable hitting environment with plenty of RBI opportunities. Remember, Garcia hit 39 homers and drove in 107 runs just two seasons ago.

3 days ago

Andrew Painter • SP • Phillies

No Restrictions for Andrew Painter in Spring Training

Philadelphia Phillies top pitching prospect Andrew Painter has no restrictions in spring training, and the Phillies are hoping he wins a rotation spot in camp, according to John Clark of NBC Sports. It's been a long road for Painter to this point after a tear in his UCL was discovered three years ago, which led to Tommy John surgery. Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, and Aaron Nola are locked into the team's top-three rotation spots, but there's a clear opening for Painter now that we know Zack Wheeler (shoulder) won't be ready for Opening Day. In his first full season back from TJ surgery, Painter struggled, posting a 5.40 ERA and 1.55 WHIP in 22 starts at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The good news is that his stuff looked fine, and he threw a combined 118 innings at two levels. If the 22-year-old is a little sharper than he was last year and he stays healthy, he will most definitely be in play in all fantasy formats as long as he is locked into a rotation spot in Philly.

6 days ago

Orion Kerkering • RP • Phillies

Orion Kerkering Suffers a Grade 1 Hamstring Strain

Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Orion Kerkering (hamstring) has a Grade 1 hamstring strain, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Kerkering is "a little behind" as spring training gets underway. While this is certainly a situation worth monitoring, it doesn't sound like Kerkering's injury is too serious, and he should be ready for Opening Day if he doesn't experience any setbacks. The 24-year-old fell out of the closer-by-committee group when Philadelphia acquired Jhoan Duran last year, but he still posted a solid 3.82 FIP with 9.75 K/9, 4.05 BB/9, and a 42% ground ball rate across 69 appearances (60.0 innings). However, without many save opportunities in his future, he's not a very appealing option in fantasy baseball drafts.

7 days ago

Nick Castellanos • RF • Phillies

Nick Castellanos Told Not to Report to Spring Complex

Updating a previous report, the Philadelphia Phillies have told outfielder Nick Castellanos not to report to the team's spring training complex this week, league sources told Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Castellanos doesn't even have a locker in the team's spring training clubhouse, and a resolution -- either through a trade or release -- is expected to come in the next two days. The declining 33-year-old outfielder is scheduled to make $20 million this year in the final year of the five-year, $100 million contract he signed with the team back in March of 2022, but the Phillies are ready to move on. Castellanos slashed a very mediocre .250/.294/.400 with a .694 OPS, 17 home runs, 72 RBI, 72 runs scored, and four steals in 547 regular-season at-bats in 2025. His hard-hit rate has fallen for three straight seasons, and on top of his declining offensive profile, he's one of the worst defensive outfielders.

7 days ago

Aidan Miller • 3B • Phillies

Aidan Miller Mostly Working on Left Side of the Infield

Philadelphia Phillies infield prospect Aidan Miller will take most of his spring training reps at shortstop and third base, according to manager Rob Thomson. He may also play some second base. However, the skipper shut down any chance of him playing left field. Miller was a first-round pick out of high school in 2023, and a meteoric rise through the minors resulted in him playing eight games at Triple-A last year. Between Double-A and Triple-A in 2025, he slashed .264/.392/.433 with 14 home runs, 59 stolen bases, a 15.6% walk rate, a 23.4% strikeout rate, and 137 wRC+. It seems like he'll probably open 2026 at Triple-A, but his minor league statistics and his impending spring training workload both indicate that he should make his MLB debut in the very near future. He's already generating buzz in fantasy baseball circles, ranking as the #40 shortstop in RotoBaller's latest draft rankings for 2026.

7 days ago

Nick Castellanos • RF • Phillies

Phillies Continue to Shop Nick Castellanos on Trade Market

According to Scott Lauber of The Inquirer.com, the Philadelphia Phillies continue to shop outfielder Nick Castellanos on the trade market. Throughout the offseason, the Phillies have made it clear they were looking to move off the veteran outfielder. However, they have yet to find a suitor and now may enter spring training with him still on the roster. In the winter, the Phillies brought in former Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia to take his starting role in right field. During the 2025 campaign, Castellanos held a modest .250/.294/.400 slash line with only 17 home runs. He generated a weak .302 xwOBA with a low .242 xBA and a .408 xSLG, all of which were well below the average marks. If they cannot find a trade partner, the Phillies may look to release the 33-year-old.

7 days ago

Zack Wheeler • SP • Phillies

Zack Wheeler Unlikely to be Ready for Opening Day

Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler (shoulder) is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day this year, but the team is hopeful he'll be back shortly after, according to manager Rob Thomson. Wheeler is recovering from venous thoracic outlet surgery, which is the less severe version of the surgery. Still, the 35-year-old most likely won't be a part of Philly's Opening Day rotation in 2026 even though he resumed throwing back in December. If Wheeler doesn't have any setbacks through spring training, fantasy managers should have the right-handed ace at some point in April. The three-time All-Star was limited to 24 starts with the Phillies in 2025 in his sixth year with the team, going 10-5 with a 2.71 ERA and 0.93 WHIP with 195 strikeouts and 33 walks in 149 2/3 innings pitched. Wheeler has been one of the most consistent high-end starting pitchers in baseball in recent years, but there's no guarantee he'll bounce back to that form after his surgery. Proceed with caution.

Feb 9

Lou Trivino • RP • Phillies

Lou Trivino Heading Back to Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies have re-signed relief pitcher Lou Trivino to a minor-league deal with an invite to Spring Training. Trivino made appearances with the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers before finishing out the season in Philly. In total, Trivino registered a 3.97 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and a 37/18 K/BB ratio in 47 games between the three teams. The 34-year-old has a ton of late-inning experience with 116 games finished and 37 saves across his six big league seasons. The Phillies already have a closer, so Trivino would probably work mostly in middle relief, assuming he makes the team. Trivino is unlikely to offer fantasy value, but could be a sneaky solid pickup for the Phillies.

Feb 8

Bryce Harper • 1B • Phillies

Fantasy Managers Hoping Bryce Harper Bounces Back

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper had a great 2025 season, but it didn't quite live up to the standards he set in previous years. He finished his age-32 campaign with a .261/.357/.487 slash line, contributing his lowest slugging percentage and OPS marks since 2016. He slugged 27 home runs, walked 12.1% of the time, posted a 20.9% strikeout rate, and finished with 131 wRC+. Harper ultimately compiled 3.5 fWAR, which is half a win below his career average. He also played 132 games, and he has been held to fewer than 145 games in each of the last six seasons. In order to achieve top-tier fantasy status, he'll need to improve his OPS while staying healthy for the full year. As it stands, he ranks as the #4 first baseman and #31 hitter in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.

Feb 5

Trea Turner • SS • Phillies

Durability a Concern, but Trea Turner's Skills Remain Intact

For the second straight season, Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Tre Turner missed time with a hamstring injury, limiting him to 141 games. Turner still managed to win his second batting title (.304 batting average), but he was unable to reach the 20-homer mark (15 dingers) for the first time in a full season since 2019 with the Washington Nationals. In addition to his 15 homers and .304 average, the 32-year-old three-time All-Star had 69 RBI, 94 runs scored, and 36 stolen bases in his third season with the Phillies. Injuries are a concern for Turner, but he proved last year that he still has the sprint speed to swipe 30-plus bags as he nears his mid-30s. And if he manages to stay healthy, the counting stats should be there as the table-setter for a very potent Philly offense. Turner is a borderline top-25 fantasy asset and is the No. 5-ranked fantasy shortstop at RotoBaller going into the 2026 season.

Feb 3

Daniel Robert • RP • Phillies

Daniel Robert Re-Signs With Phillies

Free-agent reliever Daniel Robert re-signed a minor-league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday that includes an invite to major-league spring training camp, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Robert missed the final month of the 2025 season with a forearm strain, and it's uncertain if he'll be limited at all for the start of spring training in a couple of weeks. The 31-year-old veteran right-hander made only 15 appearances in relief for the Phillies last year and gave up seven runs (six earned) on 11 hits (two homers) while walking 10 and striking out 15 in 13 innings pitched. He debuted in the big leagues in 2024 with the Texas Rangers, but threw only 5 2/3 frames of relief. Robert was originally a 21st-round selection by the Rangers in 2017 out of Auburn. He won't carry any fantasy value into the 2026 season.

Feb 3

Jesús Luzardo • SP • Phillies

Jesus Luzardo, Phillies Not Discussing Contract Extension

Philadelphia Phillies left-handed starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo has yet to begin discussions for a contract extension with the club. However, Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic reported that the team could look ot start preliminary discussions once spring training begins. Team president Dave Dombrowski has expressed interest in the southpaw, and both sides could look to discuss it before the regular season begins. Earlier this offseason, both sides agreed to an $11 million contract to avoid arbitration. Luzardo made his Phillies debut in 2025 and performed quite well, tossing a career-high 183 2/3 innings and posting a 3.92 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP. He struck out 216 hitters and generated a strong 3.33 xERA. Lucardo projects to remain the team's No. 2 pitcher, behind Cristopher Sanchez, while Zack Wheeler (shoulder) works his way back from injury. Given his high strikeout upside, Luzardo holds mid-end SP2 upside in all formats.

Jan 31

Aidan Miller • 3B • Phillies

Aidan Miller Unlikely to Break Camp with MLB Roster?

According to Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic, Philadelphia Phillies infield prospect Aidan Miller is not expected to break camp with the MLB roster. While Varnes noted that a 2026 MLB debut remains in play, he will likely not be on the team's Opening Day roster given the team's current infield depth. Miller is considered the team's No. 2-ranked prospect on MLB.com and overall No. 32 prospect in the sport. Miller joined the organization with the 23rd overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of J.W. Mitchell HS. Miller spent the majority of the 2025 season with Double-A before finishing the season with a brief taste at Triple-A. Through 108 games at Double-A, Miller held a .259/.382/.427 line with 13 home runs and 52 stolen bases. During his brief eight-game stint at Triple-A, Miller posted a .333/.514/.519 line. Even though he is not expected to break camp with the MLB roster, he could become a top stash candidate in deeper category formats early in the season, given his five-category skill set.

Jan 31

Kyle Schwarber • DH • Phillies

Kyle Schwarber an Elite Power Threat in Hitter-Friendly Home Ballpark

Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber led the league and set a new career high with 56 home runs in 2025 in his fourth season with the Phils. He also had a league- and career-high 132 RBI while slashing .240/.365/.563 with a career-best .928 OPS, career-high 111 runs scored, and career-best 10 stolen bases in 162 games. The 32-year-old left-handed slugger is strictly a DH, though, and his high strikeout totals will ensure that his batting average will remain low. He finished last year third in walks (108), and he was the runner-up to Shohei Ohtani in the National League MVP voting. Schwarber has had 100-plus RBI in each of the last three years. The fact that Schwarber re-signed with the Phillies is a huge plus for his fantasy outlook going into the 2026 campaign, where he'll remain an elite power threat and run producer. RotoBaller has Schwarber ranked as the No. 23 overall player.

Jan 28

Jhoan Duran • RP • Phillies

Jhoan Duran Gearing Up for First Opening Day with Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies closer Jhoan Duran has already made 23 appearances with the organization, but now, he's getting ready for his first spring training as a Phillie. Duran was dealt from Minnesota to Philadelphia ahead of the 2025 trade deadline, and he instantly boosted his fantasy value by moving from a seller to a contender. With the Phillies, Duran immediately picked up more save opportunities. In fact, he had more save opportunities in 23 games with the Phillies than he did in 49 games with the Twins. He remained just as effective after the change of scenery, finishing the year with a 2.35 FIP, 10.29 K/9, 2.44 BB/9, a 65% ground ball rate, and a career-high 32 saves. He continued to effectively rack up strikeouts, limit walks, and minimize loud contact, which is a rare combination. The 28-year-old has cemented himself as one of the best closers in baseball, and in doing so, he has continuously elevated his fantasy stock. He ranks as the #3 relief pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.

Jan 27

Cristopher Sánchez • SP • Phillies

Cristopher Sanchez has Top-Five Upside as Starting Pitcher

Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez has become a Cy Young candidate over the last two years with the Phillies after not going over 100 innings pitched in a season in his first three years in the big leagues. Sanchez has gone 24-14 the last two regular seasons with a 2.89 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 365 strikeouts, and 88 walks in 63 starts (383 2/3 innings). The 29-year-old Dominican southpaw had a league-high 8.0 wins above replacement and also fanned a career-high 212 hitters in 202 innings during the regular season. Sanchez was one of only three starters to go at least 200 innings last year and had the fifth-best ERA of qualified pitchers. He has missed one start in the last three seasons, so on top of his dominance, he's also been durable. Sanchez was unlucky in the win department, but that shouldn't dissuade you from taking him as a top-10 starting pitcher in fantasy drafts.

Jan 27

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