Philadelphia

Phillies

At least that’s the belief around the league according to Olney and Passan. The Phillies, Reds and Giants have been among the teams already linked to the 32-year-old slugger. It’s possible that his market could come into focus in the next few days during the winter meetings. Regardless of where he lands, Schwarber will continue to be a force for fantasy purposes during the 2026 season.

Heyman adds that Bellinger remains New York’s top offseason priority, though the two sides aren’t close to a deal at this stage. He also lists the Mets, Phillies, Dodgers and Angels as other potential landing spots. The 30-year-old delivered an excellent first season in the Bronx, slashing .272/.334/.480 with 29 homers — his highest total since 2019 — to go along with 98 RBI and 13 steals across 152 games. His return would significantly improve the Yankees’ outfield defense and give them a proven left-handed, middle-of-the-order anchor to pair with Aaron Judge.

Mercado returns to augment Philadelphia’s organizational depth heading into next season after being non-tendered earlier this offseason. The 26-year-old righty holds an inflated 11.81 ERA and 14/13 K/BB ratio across 16 innings over eight appearances in the majors since 2024. He recorded a pedestrian 5.01 FIP and 23.6 percent strilkeout rate over 49 innings at the Triple-A level this past season.

Morosi indicated that all of the Yankees, Mets, Phillies, and Dodgers are “actively courting” Bellinger. The 30-year-old is coming off a strong 2025 season that saw him his .272 with 29 home runs, 98 RBI, 89 runs, and an .813 OPS. He also plays above-average defense at both center field and first base, which makes him even more attractive as a target.

The White Sox held on to him after his excellent 2023, hoping to cash in at the deadline in 2024, but were never able to due to injuries. They now picked up Robert’s $20 million team option and have another $20 million option for 2027. He still has elite raw ability, but has been inconsistent and injured over the last few years, which “would limit the return on any potential deal.” Still, Passan believes now is the time for a deal and lists the Mets, Phillies, and Reds as possible landing spots.

Dombrowski hasn’t offered any additional clarity on Wheeler’s recovery timeline from surgery to address thoracic outlet syndrome since his end-of-season media session in late October, when he reiterated the club’s expectation: “The timeline remains six to eight months to be back pitching in a major-league game — so that takes you to the end of May.” The veteran fantasy ace, who turns 36 in late May, is expected to continue ramping up during spring training, but remains highly unlikely to be ready for Opening Day. The central question for fantasy managers is whether his front-of-the-rotation stuff returns to pre-surgery during spring throwing sessions and early-season rehab outings. He’s the definition of a high-risk, high-reward pick — volatile because of the procedure but impossible to ignore given his track record. A speculative selection as a top-40 range starting pitcher for fantasy purposes makes sense. With Wheeler projected to miss at least two months — and Ranger Suárez likely leaving in free agency — there’s also a very real pathway for top prospect Andrew Painter to break camp in Philadelphia’s rotation.

Morosi reports that it’s “at least a 50/50 chance that Ketel Marte is moved” this offseason. As of now, nothing is close, but multiple teams - like the Phillies and Blue Jays - have checked in on Marte’s availability. Neither the Phillies nor the Blue Jays are on Marte’s limited no-trade clause, so either team could acquire him without Marte’s approval. This will be one of the key storylines to watch this offseason.

It’s a split contract for Marchán, who will serve as organizational depth for the Phillies with J.T. Realmuto hitting free agency this offseason. The 26-year-old backstop got into a career-high 42 games this past season, batting .210/.282/.305 with two homers and 13 RBI.

They also announced that they tendered all of their arbitration-eligible players, as expected. Robert had a 4.15 ERA in 15 appearances before going down with a forearm strain last season. Mercado gave up five runs in three innings in his three appearances. They’ll likely both be offered minor league contracts to stick around.

It’s a split contract in which the 32-year-old backstop will earn $925,000 in the big leagues and $575,000 in the minors. Stubbs appeared in five games with the Phillies in 2025, going 0-for-1 with a pair of runs scored in his limited action. He’ll continue to function as quality catching depth for the Phillies.