The Philadelphia Phillies have made some strategic moves during this offseason that demonstrate their intent to strengthen their team, especially with an eye toward 2026. They've re-signed veteran power hitter Kyle Schwarber, adding stability and experience to their lineup, and signed promising free agent outfielder Adolis García, along with bullpen solidifier Brad Keller. Additionally, they've completed some lesser-known trades for players like Kyle Backhus, Jonathan Bowlan, and Yoniel Curet, all aiming to build a more competitive roster. But here's where it gets controversial: despite these moves, there are still three significant opportunities they missed—and these oversights could come back to haunt them when prepping for the upcoming season.
Let's explore three offseason acquisitions the Phillies regret missing out on, and why these could have made a tangible difference.
1. Rob Refsnyder — A Right-Handed Bat with Potent Numbers
The Phillies have been searching for a perfect outfield fit for several seasons now. While signing García might have addressed part of that need, the team missed an opportunity by not pursuing Rob Refsnyder, who recently signed a one-year deal worth $6.25 million with the Seattle Mariners. Refsnyder is well-known for his exceptional performance against left-handed pitchers—ranking among the top six league-wide in categories like batting average, OPS, and weighted runs created plus (wRC+). Since 2022, he’s posted a .312 batting average, a .924 OPS, and a 155 wRC+ against southpaws, making him a valuable platoon partner.
In the upcoming season, assuming Nick Castellanos won’t be part of the outfield mix, Philadelphia’s main options will likely be García, Brandon Marsh, and rookie Justin Crawford. Marsh, however, has historically struggled against left-handed pitchers, with a batting average of just .213 and an OPS of .581 in such matchups. Crawford, a promising young talent, might also face hurdles early in his first MLB campaign, especially since he bats left-handed. Refsnyder could have served as a crucial bench bat to complement both Marsh and Crawford—providing stability and offensive firepower against southpaws.
2. Harry Ford — Untapped Catching Depth
A glaring deficiency for the Phillies has been the lack of strong catching options. When the Mariners traded their top catching prospect Harry Ford and pitcher Isaac Lyon to the Washington Nationals in exchange for left-handed reliever José Ferrer, the Phillies missed a golden chance. With J.T. Realmuto potentially entering free agency, and Eduardo Tait having been traded to Minnesota, Philadelphia’s depth at catcher looked thin.
Harry Ford, a 2021 first-round pick, has been one of MLB Pipeline’s top-50 prospects for the past few years. The 22-year-old catcher had an impressive 2025 minor league season, hitting .283 with an .868 OPS, 16 home runs, 74 RBIs, and 68 runs scored in 97 games. He even made his MLB debut for the Mariners in September, playing eight games. Ford has consistently shown speed, with over 20 stolen bases in three consecutive seasons, and is a reliable defender with a career .987 fielding percentage.
Philadelphia could have benefited by acquiring Ford instead of parting with Matt Strahm, who was traded for a less impressive return. Had they done so, if they can’t keep Realmuto long-term, Ford might represent the raw yet talented future star they need behind the plate. This oversight could prove costly if they fail to secure a top catcher in free agency or trade this winter.
3. Pete Fairbanks — A Cost-Effective Bullpen Upgrade
One of the Phillies’ primary goals this offseason was to bolster their bullpen, aiming for more stability and effectiveness come 2026. Last season, their relievers ranked poorly across several categories—20th in ERA, 24th in opponents’ batting average, and 28th in strikeouts—highlighting a clear need for bullpen improvements.
Despite their limited budget, they had opportunities to sign valuable relievers like Pete Fairbanks, who eventually signed a one-year, $13 million deal with division rival Miami Marlins. Fairbanks, despite past injury issues, has proven to be a highly effective reliever when healthy. Over his career, he maintained a 3.19 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP, and struck out 332 batters in 265 1/3 innings. With 90 career saves, he could have served as a reliable closer-in-waiting or setup man, pairing well with José Duran to form a formidable late-inning combination.
Missing out on Fairbanks at $13 million—a reasonable sum for a proven reliever—means the Phillies will now face a division rival armed with a potentially impactful reliever. Had they secured him earlier, their bullpen might have become significantly more competitive, providing much-needed depth and closing options.
And this is the part most people overlook—timing, foresight, and sometimes a bit of luck play huge roles in roster building. The Phillies have made solid moves but leaving these key opportunities behind might give their competitors an edge in the coming seasons.
So, what do you think? Are these missed chances just part of the game, or could they be the difference-makers in Philly’s pursuit of a championship? Share your thoughts below—do you agree that these moves could come back to bite the Phillies, or see it differently?
