Rob Thomson, Kyle Schwarber, and the Phillies' biggest offseason questions

Marcus Hayes: After three straight playoff disappointments, will the Phillies — specifically, owner John Middleton — bring back manger Rob Thomson? Remember, neither Middleton or president Dave Dombrowski hired Thomson. He was an interim solution in 2022 who made it to the World Series.

He’s popular in the clubhouse, and he worked miracles in the 2025 regular season — do his bosses think he’s the problem?

Scott Lauber: In pro sports, the definition of insanity is bringing back the same players year after year and expecting different results. The core of the Phillies' roster has remained together for four years, and they aren't any closer to returning to the World Series.

Rival team officials expect the Phillies to re-sign Kyle Schwarber. There are reasons for them keep fellow free agents J.T. Realmuto and Ranger Suárez, too. But what's the best way for the Phillies to make meaningful changes to the mix?

Lochlahn March: Which top prospects will make a major league impact next season? When the Phillies were bounced by the Mets in 2024, they expected that they would have Andrew Painter as a weapon to use by the next postseason. Instead, he stayed in triple A and never seemed close to a call-up.

Justin Crawford has been deemed major-league ready by Dombrowski, but he never had a path to playing time. How will his impending addition inform how the Phillies approach their outfield this offseason?

Matt Breen: It won’t happen because all indications are that he wants to stay in Los Angeles with his family, but John Middleton at least has to ask Chase Utley to be his next manager. 

Again, it won’t happen, but that didn’t stop Middleton five years ago from continuing to pursue Dombrowski despite him turning down the job numerous times. Treat Utley the same way. Make him say no. If the Phillies need a new manager, Utley should be the top choice.