There are some free agents and trade candidates that the Philadelphia Phillies should avoid adding to their team this offseason. Heading into the 2026 season, the Phillies need to get younger. Next season will be an opportunity for highly touted prospects to step up. This also involves deciding to not make certain moves. Tough decisions may have to be made depending on how things play out in free agency as well. That may mean, for example, trading for a younger catcher instead of re-signing J.T. Realmuto, who is going to be in his age-35 season in 2026. Whether it be performance or age considerations, there are a few players the Phillies should stay away from signing or trading for. Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski needs to make calculated moves.
Players the Phillies Need To Avoid This Offseason
Nolan Arenado
The Phillies were viewed as a trade fit for Nolan Arenado last offseason. Arenado is seen as a trade candidate this offseason as well. While the Phillies might actually trade Alec Bohm this offseason, the 34-year-old veteran is not the answer at third base. This season, Arenado had a .237/.289/.377 line with 12 home runs and 52 RBI in 107 games. He recorded an 84 wRC+, the second-worst for him in a full season in his major league career, and a .241 BABIP. While Arenado had a respectable 0.57 BB/K rate, his offensive numbers have largely declined. He also has an enormous contract, running through 2027, that should be nowhere near the Phillies’ books. It is obvious why the St. Louis Cardinals want to deal Arenado going into his age-35 season, but the Phillies would be wise to avoid this deal.
Mike Axisa (@mikeaxisa) of CBS Sports made some bold predictions for the 2025 offseason.
One of which was the Phillies trade for Nolan Arenado.
“I’m not saying the Phillies will take on the entire $32 million the Cardinals still owed Arenado or that they’ll send St. Louis a… pic.twitter.com/gJGVfQtPvY
— SleeperPhillies (@SleeperPhillies) November 7, 2025
Ketel Marte
Ketel Marte is expected to be traded this offseason, according to a report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today. According to Nightengale, the Arizona Diamondbacks have a high asking price for Marte. Part of that is because he is under contract through 2030 with a player option for 2031. This season, Marte had a .283/.376/.517 line with 28 home runs and 72 RBI in 126 games. He also recorded a 145 wRC+ and a .290 BABIP, along with an outstanding 0.77 BB/K rate this season. While Marte is a good player, he is entering his age-32 season. Trading Bryson Stott for a player above 30 does not make sense. Stott would undoubtedly be a part of a potential Phillies trade package to acquire Marte. Keeping Stott, for now at least, is the way to go.
The Diamondbacks are ‘motivated’ to move Ketel Marte, per @BNightengale pic.twitter.com/i4UUG8UkXc
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) November 10, 2025
Munetaka Murakami
While the Phillies are expected to be a team in the running for Munetaka Murakami, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the move does not make sense. Murakami is limited to the corner infield positions and the designated hitter spot. This season, Murakami had a .273/.379/.663 line with 22 home runs and 47 RBI in 56 games with the Yakult Swallows of NPB. He also recorded a 210 wRC+, a .279 BABIP, and a 0.50 BB/K rate this season. While the Phillies have been trying to make inroads in Japan the last few years, and it would be exciting for the organization, Murakami has too many red flags to sign. Even entering his age-26 season, three consecutive years of 25.0%+ strikeout rates, despite having 10.0%+ walk rates, is not good.
There is a real concern that Munetaka Murakami’s difficulties with in-zone contact and high velocity will lead to volatility and a lengthy adjustment period in MLB.
Still, his youth and raw power give him the upside to grow into a Rafael Devers- or Matt Olson–type superstar. https://t.co/iBRrYCbY3C pic.twitter.com/pPgJZgIy8r
— Yakyu Cosmopolitan (@yakyucosmo) October 19, 2025
Main Photo Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
