Philadelphia Phillies Predicted to Make One More Significant Move

The Philadelphia Phillies have actually had a relatively quiet offseason. Outside of re-signing Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto, they really haven't done all that much.

Yes, the Phillies added outfielder Adolis Garcia on a one-year deal, and they signed relief pitcher Brad Keller, but otherwise, Philadelphia is essentially running it back (minus names like Ranger Suarez and Harrison Bader).

The Phillies tried to sign Bo Bichette, but the two-time All-Star decided to take a shorter-term, higher-AAV contract with the New York Mets.

So is Philadelphia done adding pieces? Or will the Phillies bring in another key player before the start of the 2026 MLB campaign?

Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter seems to think Philadelphia will make one more significant addition, predicting the club to re-sign pitcher Walker Buehler to round out its starting rotation.

"With Zack Wheeler (thoracic outlet surgery) expected to start the year on the injured list and Ranger Suarez gone in free agency, the Phillies could use a veteran arm to help take some pressure off prospect Andrew Painter at the back of the rotation," Reuter wrote. "After a disappointing season in Boston, Walker Buehler quietly posted a 0.66 ERA in 13.2 innings for the Phillies down the stretch."

Philadelphia signed Buehler in late August after he was released by the Red Sox and was impressive during his brief stint with the team.

The 31-year-old is still remaining in a free-agent market that still features arms like Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen, but Buehler would obviously represent a much cheaper, bang-for-your-buck alternative.

There was a time when Buehler was one of the best pitchers in baseball. He made two All-Star appearances with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019 and 2021, finishing fourth in NL Cy Young award voting in the latter campaign.

Injuries have largely derailed the right-hander ever since, as he has only made 42 starts over the last four seasons.

Buehler owns a lifetime 3.52 ERA, 3.83 FIP and 1.154 WHIP, although those numbers have certainly ballooned over his last couple of years.

Still, as a depth piece, it couldn't hurt to add Buehler, especially if the Phillies feel that Painter is not quite yet ready to assume a regular big-league role.

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