The Philadelphia Phillies are being taken to task for this $15 million misstep.
The Philadelphia Phillies have had a very quiet offseason. Yes, they've re-signed Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto, but they haven't added anyone of major significance.
The Phillies signed outfielder Adolis Garcia on a one-year contract, and they brought in relief pitcher Brad Keller on a two-year pact.
That's really it.
Philadelphia is basically running it back heading into 2026, minus key pieces like Ranger Suarez and Harrison Bader, who signed elsewhere in free agency. Plus, Zack Wheeler remains sidelined due to thoracic outlet syndrome.
Phillies fans are frustrated with the lack of activity, and deservedly so. The team did try to sign Bo Bichette, but he opted to join the New York Mets instead. But it doesn't appear that Philadelphia is trying to answer.
On that subject, Tim Kelly of On Pattison feels that Philly may have let an opportunity slip through its grasp when it comes to Eugenio Suarez, who just inked a one-year, $15 million deal with the Cincinnati Reds.
Eugenio Suarez. Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images."What we learned Sunday evening is they could have had Eugenio Suarez hitting cleanup and playing third base on Opening Day for $15 million," Kelly wrote. "... And while he wouldn't come without his flaws, you'll be hard pressed to find an opposing team that would be more scared to face the Phillies with any of [Alec] Bohm, Garcia or Realmuto hitting cleanup, as opposed to Suarez."
Kelly is certainly right about that.
Suarez smashed 49 home runs to go along with 118 RBI between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariner last season, and while he definitely faded in the second half, he has shown impressive power throughout most of his career.
Given that Philadelphia is trying to win now, adding Suarez probably would have been a good idea, even if he strikes out a ton and isn't any good defensively. But it's not like Bohm is Brooks Robinson over at the hot corner, either.
"But you get the feeling that the Phillies are going to be searching for a middle-of-the-order bat before the Aug. 3 trade deadline, and if that type of player can be had, it will cost a pretty penny in prospect capital," Kelly added. "Suarez, one of the game's elite sluggers, just signed for $15 million and only required a one-year commitment. Which route sounds better to you?"
Philadelphia could definitely use another bat alongside of Schwarber and Bryce Harper. It needed one last year, and that hasn't changed going into 2026.
Suarez was there for the taking, and the Phillies decided to ignore him.
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