Locked On Phillies - Daily Podcast On The Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies may break from tradition, as MLB insider Ken Rosenthal hints at major league player trades—will Dave Dombrowski finally shake up the roster to keep the World Series window alive? Alec Bohm, Nick Castellanos, Matt Strahm, Bryson Stott, and Brandon Marsh headline the potential trade targets, sparking questions about how reshuffling the Phillies lineup could reshape their 2024 outlook.

Connor Thomas examines the growing uncertainty around Kyle Schwarber’s future with new suitors like the Pittsburgh Pirates entering the fray, risking a heated bidding war that could drive up his price. Plus, get the latest on the Phillies playing in the 2024 Field of Dreams game against the Minnesota Twins and what it means for fans. Don’t miss the breakdown on offseason strategies, roster moves, and the evolving market for power hitters as the MLB winter meetings approach.

00:00 – Phillies Offseason Trades
Connor Thomas discusses Ken Rosenthal’s report about the Phillies considering major league-level player trades, why this is different from Dave Dombrowski’s usual methods, and which players might be on the move.

11:33 – Kyle Schwarber Free Agency Market
A deep dive into the Kyle Schwarber sweepstakes, the surprising interest from the Pittsburgh Pirates, and how growing interest could impact his price and likelihood of returning to Philly.

21:02 – Field of Dreams Game Announcement
Details and fan perspective on the Phillies participating in the Field of Dreams game, how exclusive the ticket situation is, and why this is a bucket-list event for Phillies fans.

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The Philadelphia Phillies explore Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami as Alec Bohm trade rumors intensify. Could this signal a major roster shakeup at third base?

Connor Thomas breaks down the Phillies' growing interest in the Japanese market and what it means for Bohm's future in Philadelphia. The discussion examines whether Kyle Schwarber or Cristopher Sanchez is more likely to replicate their outstanding 2024 performances, with Sanchez emerging as the team's most exciting long-term asset. Key topics include Alex Bregman as a potential third base upgrade, the implications of Ranger Suarez and Schwarber declining their qualifying offers, and why the Phillies need change for change's sake after another disappointing playoff exit.

The analysis covers Sanchez's velocity gains and elite changeup, Schwarber's record-breaking lefty-on-lefty power, and how qualifying offers around baseball impact the free agent market.

Tune in for insider perspectives on the Phillies' offseason strategy and potential blockbuster trades that could reshape the roster.

0:00 Intro

0:31 Phillies linked to Japanese slugger Murakami

2:33 What Murakami interest means for Phillies

4:34 Report signals potential Alec Bohm trade

7:07 Alex Bregman emerges as realistic target

10:41 Schwarber and Sanchez's stellar 2025 seasons

13:14 Cristopher Sanchez's breakout year breakdown

16:17 Who's more likely to repeat success

21:23 Did Phillies waste career years from stars

22:24 Schwarber and Suarez decline qualifying offers

26:28 Breaking down who accepted qualifying offers

29:00 Free agency market heating up

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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sanchez finished second in NL Cy Young voting but didn't make the All-MLB first team. How does that make sense?

Connor Thomas breaks down the controversial All-MLB team selections, arguing Sanchez deserved first-team honors over several pitchers who made the cut. The discussion covers Kyle Schwarber's second-team selection, Jhoan Duran's elite closer status, and Zack Wheeler's recognition despite injury. Key topics include Edwin Diaz opting out of his Mets contract and whether the Phillies should hope he leaves the division, the Logan O'Hoppe trade revisited in hindsight, and Brandon Marsh's ceiling as a center fielder. Thomas also addresses Schwarber's contract timeline, predicts a December signing, and identifies right-handed power as the team's biggest offseason need. The mailbag segment explores potential interest in Japanese third baseman Munetaka Murakami and what it signals about Alec Bohm's future.

Tune in for expert analysis on the Phillies' All-MLB representation and critical offseason decisions ahead.

0:00 Intro

0:30 All MLB First and Second Team Announcements

2:32 Cristopher Sanchez Snubbed from First Team

5:36 Jhoan Duran Named First Team All MLB Closer

9:09 Phillies Stars on All MLB Second Team

11:44 Edwin Diaz Free Agency and Division Impact

16:18 Should Phillies Want Diaz to Stay with Mets

26:29 What Should Phillies Ask Santa For

28:31 Kyle Schwarber's Free Agency Timeline
 

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Shohei Ohtani wins unanimous MVP, but did Kyle Schwarber deserve first-place votes after his 56-homer, 132-RBI season? The Philadelphia Phillies slugger received zero first-place votes despite carrying his team to the postseason, raising serious questions about MLB's awards voting system.

Connor Thomas breaks down the controversial 2024 MVP results and argues why expanding the voter pool could eliminate individual bias. The discussion shifts to Trea Turner's surprising fifth-place MVP finish and National League batting title, examining whether Phillies fans undervalue their shortstop despite his elite regular season numbers. Key analysis includes Turner's postseason struggles, comparisons to Bobby Abreu's legacy, and why the Phillies' individual success hasn't translated to October victories.

Poll results reveal which Phillies free agents fans prioritize for re-signing, with JT Realmuto earning unexpected support for his irreplaceable value as signal caller to Zack Wheeler, Ranger Suarez, and Cristopher Sanchez.

Discover why Philadelphia's MVP candidates and Cy Young contenders couldn't win a single playoff series.

0:00 Intro

0:30 MVP voting has become a joke

3:03 Shohei Ohtani wins unanimous MVP award

5:35 Kyle Schwarber deserved first place votes

8:08 MVP voting pool needs to expand

11:13 Trea Turner finishes fifth in voting

14:17 Turner's first impression problem in Philadelphia

17:20 Postseason struggles define Turner's Phillies career

20:23 Do we undervalue Trea Turner's performance

23:26 Off the Poll: Which free agent to resign

26:01 JT Realmuto's value to pitching staff

28:34 Harrison Bader only gets 4% support

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Cristopher Sanchez finishes second in NL Cy Young voting, Rob Thomson places third in Manager of the Year race. Are the Philadelphia Phillies destined to always be close but never champions?

Connor Thomas breaks down the painful pattern emerging for the Phillies—second-place Cy Young finishers in three of the last five seasons, consistently competitive but falling short when it matters most. The discussion covers Sanchez's remarkable evolution from minor league swing man to Cy Young runner-up, whether fans underrate Thomson despite his regular season success, and why his postseason struggles raise questions about the team's direction. Key analysis includes free agent starter Michael King's fit and durability concerns, plus the right-handed pitcher market dynamics that signal Ranger Suarez's likely departure from Philadelphia.

Will the Phillies take one step back to move two steps forward, or are they closer to a championship than frustrated fans believe?

0:00 Intro

0:31 Cristopher Sanchez finishes second in Cy Young voting

3:35 Paul Skeens deserved unanimous Cy Young win

6:41 Phillies always good but never good enough

10:46 Rob Thomson finishes third in Manager voting

15:22 Do we underrate Rob Thomson as manager

19:58 Learning from Nick Sirianni's coaching success

23:31 Michael King as potential free agent target

27:37 Right-handed starter market hurts Ranger Suarez chances

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Philadelphia Phillies fans need to pump the brakes on Harrison Bader's Instagram post. The outfielder's thank-you message sparked panic across social media, but his words say "this year" not forever—a crucial distinction during baseball's marathon offseason.

Connor Thomas breaks down why MLB free agency demands patience, explaining how the absence of a salary cap creates extended negotiations that differ dramatically from other sports. The discussion shifts to breaking news about Byron Buxton potentially waiving his no-trade clause with the Minnesota Twins, analyzing why the five-tool center fielder could solve all of Philadelphia's outfield problems in one move. Thomas also examines Don Mattingly's potential addition to Rob Thomson's coaching staff, exploring the Hall of Fame caliber player's connections to the organization through his son Preston Mattingly in the front office.

Key topics include Nick Castellanos trade scenarios, Justin Crawford's development timeline, and why the Philadelphia Phillies should pursue impact moves over long-term commitments.

Tune in for insider analysis on how the Phillies can maximize their championship window this offseason.

0:00 Intro

0:32 Harrison Bader Instagram post sparks overreaction

3:34 Don't jump to conclusions this offseason

6:38 MLB free agency takes time to develop

10:43 Byron Buxton potentially available via trade

15:19 Why Phillies should pursue Byron Buxton

20:25 Buxton's no-trade clause situation has changed

24:00 Don Mattingly linked to new coaching position

27:35 Mattingly's connections to Phillies organization

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The Philadelphia Phillies face critical offseason decisions at third base and in the rotation. Could Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami be the answer?

Connor Thomas breaks down three potential acquisitions for the Phillies, analyzing Murakami as a younger alternative to Alex Bregman despite injury concerns and left-handed bat limitations. The discussion examines local product Zac Gallen's fit in a rotation facing uncertainty with Zack Wheeler's thoracic outlet syndrome and Andrew Painter's development questions. ESPN's Jeff Passan recommends Bregman as the perfect move, but Thomas challenges whether the Phillies can afford to add another aging star alongside Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Aaron Nola while trying to get younger.

Key topics include contract projections ranging from 5-year/$110M for Murakami to 6-year deals for Bregman, the team's desperate need for right-handed power, and Dave Dombrowski's flat payroll constraints forcing difficult choices between re-signing Kyle Schwarber or pursuing a star third baseman.

Will the Phillies prioritize youth or double down on win-now veterans?

0:00 Intro

1:31 Munetaka Murakami: Japanese Third Base Solution

4:34 Murakami's Power Numbers and Injury Concerns

6:36 Contract Projections and Salary Comparisons

9:10 Age Advantage Over Alex Bregman

11:43 Zac Gallen: Local Pitcher Free Agent

14:47 Right-Handed Pitching Rotation Concerns

18:23 Gallen's Local Ties and Realistic Fit

20:56 Jeff Passan's Perfect Phillies Acquisition

25:01 Alex Bregman: Culture and Impact Bat

28:36 Age Concerns with Bregman Signing

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Bryce Harper faces the most pitches outside the strike zone of any player in Major League Baseball. The Philadelphia Phillies superstar needs better lineup protection, but finding the right solution for 2026 presents serious challenges.

Connor Thomas breaks down the statistical evidence proving opposing teams still fear Harper despite his recent numbers, examines potential roster moves to address the protection problem, and analyzes why the Phillies lack right-handed power. The discussion covers lineup construction options featuring Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, and Harrison Bader, plus explores whether Otto Kemp can fill the power void. Thomas also reveals explosive details about Harper's heated confrontation with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred over salary cap proposals, including a shocking threat from a high-ranking MLB official that could signal an ugly labor dispute ahead. The episode concludes with Mailbag Monday questions about Bo Bichette, Pete Alonso, Alec Bohm trade scenarios, and potential third base solutions.

Discover why the 2027 baseball season could be in serious jeopardy and what moves the Phillies must make this offseason.

0:00 Intro

1:32 Bryce Harper's protection problem in lineup

3:34 Why Harper sees fewest strikes

6:11 Finding a cleanup hitter solution

10:15 Right-handed power bat desperately needed

13:18 Harper's confrontation with Commissioner Manfred

16:22 MLB deputy's shocking threat to Harper

19:26 Labor negotiations could cancel 2027 season

21:59 Mailbag Monday: Otto Kemp's future role

25:32 Bo Bichette trade possibility discussion

28:35 Trading Alec Bohm for power

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The Philadelphia Phillies bullpen construction takes center stage as free agency approaches. Can Tyler Rogers and Hoby Milner transform Philadelphia's relief corps for 2026?

Connor Thomas breaks down his strategic approach to building the Phillies bullpen through free agency, targeting Rogers' submarine delivery and Milner's sidearm expertise as perfect complements to Jose Alvarado and Jhoan Duran. The analysis covers Cody Bellinger's fit as a center field solution despite his likely return to the New York Yankees, Orion Kerkering's uncertain future after postseason struggles, and the potential role shift for Taiwan Walker as a swing man.

Key discussions include the typical flow of MLB free agency versus Philadelphia's ideal strategy, why Kyle Schwarber's re-signing should happen first, and the risks of waiting too long for premium targets. Thomas explains roster control situations for Matt Strahm, Tanner Banks, and other bullpen pieces while projecting contract values for potential acquisitions.

Discover which relievers could anchor Philadelphia's 2026 bullpen and why the Phillies' offseason strategy might differ from league-wide patterns.

0:00 Intro

2:02 Building the Phillies bullpen through free agency

7:08 Tyler Rogers as high leverage righty target

11:13 Adding Hoby Milner to balance the bullpen

13:51 Cody Bellinger free agent spotlight and fit

18:28 Why Bellinger likely stays with the Yankees

21:33 Understanding the flow of MLB free agency

25:36 Why big name free agents sign last

28:40 New segments: Mailbag Monday and polls

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The Philadelphia Phillies pick up Jose Alvarado's $9 million team option despite his PED suspension that sidelined him during the playoff run. Can the hard-throwing lefty rebuild trust with the fanbase and clubhouse?

Connor Thomas breaks down the controversial decision to bring back Alvarado, presenting both the emotional fan perspective and the front office logic behind keeping a bridge to closer Jhoan Duran. The discussion shifts to a comprehensive 2026 free agency wish list, including why Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto must return, the case for signing Gold Glove second baseman Brendan Rodgers as a buy-low candidate, and a complete outfield restructuring featuring Justin Crawford, Harrison Bader, and potential addition Miguel Andujar. Analysis also covers the minor league signing of Bryan De La Cruz and his realistic role as a depth piece rather than starter.

Will Alvarado's elevated expectations match his performance? Can bargain deals like Rodgers provide the right-handed balance this left-heavy lineup desperately needs?

0:00 Intro

0:31 Jose Alvarado's team option picked up

2:33 Should Phillies forgive the PED suspension?

5:38 Emotional vs logical response to Alvarado

8:40 Alvarado must earn back fan trust

10:42 Building the 2026 Phillies roster

13:51 Re-signing JT Realmuto and Kyle Schwarber

16:55 Brendan Rodgers as second base solution

20:29 Outfield plans: Crawford, Bader, and Andujar

22:01 Chris Bassitt as rotation depth option

23:33 Bryan De La Cruz minor league signing

26:38 De La Cruz's potential impact and role

29:42 Tomorrow's episode preview and wrap-up

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