Phillies veteran core: 3 huge questions after Braves exit

Dustin Judge
Phillies veteran core: Kyle Schwarber takes a practice swing for Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Phillies’ season ended Thursday, Oct. 1, with a 6-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves in Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park. Now the Phillies veteran core faces a long offseason and several big decisions.

Michael Harris II hit a three-run homer off Aaron Nola in the first inning, and Nola left after 1⅔ innings, FOX 29 reported. Ozzie Albies added a two-run homer in the fourth and Matt Olson a solo shot in the seventh. It was Philadelphia’s fourth straight postseason series loss, according to MLB.com. The Phillies won 88 games this season, their fewest since 2022.

Why the Phillies veteran core is under the microscope

Bryce Harper appeared in all 162 regular-season games, hit .269 with 29 home runs and led the NL with 107 walks, Yahoo Sports reported. He went 3 for 13 in the series. “It’s going to be a long off-season, obviously,” Harper said.

Harper also expects change. “I’d imagine this team is going to look a lot different next year,” he said, per Bleacher Report. J.T. Realmuto pushed back on the idea that age is the issue: “It’s about execution. It’s not about the age in here. We know we still have the talent to win.”

Question 1: Who manages the Phillies?

Don Mattingly took over in late April after Rob Thomson was fired with the team 9-19, and he went 79-55 the rest of the way. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported Oct. 2 that the Phillies will not bring Mattingly back, according to 97.5 The Fanatic. Boston’s Alex Cora is seen as the likely candidate, but nothing is official. The next manager will have to decide how to use the Phillies veteran core.

“I’m not concerned about myself in this situation,” Mattingly said Thursday.

Question 2: Which free agents return?

Bleacher Report’s offseason guide says Alec Bohm may not return, while utility man Edmundo Sosa and left-handed reliever Tim Mayza are likely keepers. It lists free agents Randy Arozarena and Seiya Suzuki as possible targets, though both carry qualifying offers.

Question 3: Can the Phillies veteran core still win?

That is the bigger issue for president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski. The Phillies have made the playoffs five straight years, but they have not won a title since 2008. Our Game 2 recap shows how thin the margin was in a 4-3, 10-inning win. Injuries even forced a Game 1 role for Jesús Luzardo.

Our Game 3 pitching preview flagged the risks that cost them. Whether the Phillies veteran core gets a retool or a bigger shake-up will define the winter.

Dustin Judge is the Founder and CEO of Total Apex Media, bringing more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience to the company's growing network of digital publications. He specializes in sports, sports betting, fantasy sports, and digital publishing, with a focus on producing accurate, timely, and engaging content for readers. Dustin oversees editorial strategy, content development, and publishing operations across Total Apex Media while remaining actively involved in sports, betting, and fantasy sports coverage.