The Philadelphia Phillies face an offseason crossroads: can they re-sign J.T. Realmuto and unload Nick Castellanos to spark a deeper playoff push? Connor Thomas breaks down the Phillies’ Christmas wish list, ranking the team’s top needs—resigning Realmuto, trading Castellanos, and finding a right-handed power bat to balance a lefty-heavy lineup. Thomas analyzes recent minor bullpen moves, projects roles for Jhoan Duran, José Alvarado, Brad Keller, and Orion Kerkering, and questions whether the current bullpen depth is enough for another run.

With mounting fan anxiety about the starting rotation, Thomas calms nerves by highlighting the strength of a group led by Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sánchez, and promising prospect Andrew Painter. Will Jesus Luzardo and a healthy Wheeler keep the Phillies in the NL elite? Get insights on key offseason priorities, projected lineups, and why the pitching staff might be better than fans think.

0:00 – Phillies Christmas Wishlist

Connor Thomas

introduces a special holiday episode and breaks down the Phillies’ top three "wishlist" priorities for the offseason, including re-signing J.T. Realmuto, trading Nick Castellanos, and finding a right-handed power bat.

11:07 – Bullpen Roles & Analysis

Connor Thomas

examines recent bullpen moves, assigns roles to current relievers, and predicts the structure of the Phillies bullpen heading into the season.

23:37 – Rotation Concerns & Painter Outlook

Connor Thomas

addresses fan worries about the starting rotation, provides perspective on its league standing, and discusses expectations for Andrew Painter’s rookie year.

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The Philadelphia Phillies are locked in a contract standoff with J.T. Realmuto—who holds the upper hand as the offseason continues? Connor Thomas breaks down the high-stakes negotiations, examining the Phillies’ leverage versus the All-Star catcher’s options and the risks of entering the season without a clear solution behind the plate. The conversation spotlights why Realmuto’s next move could reshape the Philadelphia lineup and what a multi-year deal means for a player of his age and caliber.

Connor also unpacks GM Preston Mattingly’s revealing comments on the Phillies’ strict no opt-out policy for long-term contracts, weighing the pros and cons for attracting top-tier talent and maintaining clubhouse stability. Listener questions spark debate on Don Mattingly’s coaching prospects and whether Harrison Bader’s days in Philly are numbered, with a sharp look at how these decisions could impact the Phillies’ lineup for 2026. Will Philadelphia’s front office flexibility be enough to set the team up for success?

0:00 – Phillies & Realmuto Standoff
Connor Thomas introduces the podcast and dives into the ongoing negotiation standoff between the Philadelphia Phillies and catcher J.T. Realmuto. Discussion covers what’s fueling the deadlock, market factors, who holds leverage, and his analysis of the likely outcomes.

12:30 – Phillies’ Opt-Out Policy Analysis
Connor Thomas reacts to GM Preston Mattingly’s recent comments about the Phillies’ refusal to include opt-out clauses in long-term contracts. Segment explores how this strategy affects free agent negotiations, clubhouse culture, and potential risks and upsides for future player acquisitions.

23:00 – Mailbag & Coaching Questions
In this segment, Connor Thomas answers listener mailbag questions—including the latest on Don Mattingly potentially joining the Phillies as bench coach and predictions for the Phillies’ outfield in 2026. Also, discussion about the prioritization between re-signing Realmuto versus bringing back Harrison Bader.

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The Philadelphia Phillies spark outrage with the Matt Strahm trade to the Kansas City Royals—was this just a salary dump or the first move in a bigger plan? Connor Thomas tears into the front office’s decision, questioning whether friction with management justified losing a durable left-handed All-Star reliever for minimal return. With Brad Keller’s signing and rumors swirling, is Philadelphia setting up for a major roster shakeup or just cutting costs while the Dodgers stack their World Series roster?

Topics hit hard: where the $7 million in freed payroll could go, from re-signing J.T. Realmuto to pursuing outfield upgrades like Harrison Bader. Plus, hear fan reactions and poll results on the Phillies’ championship contention, and fiery debate over whether Dave Dombrowski’s moves show true ambition. Will the Phillies step up amid NL arms races or risk falling behind this offseason?

0:00 – Matt Strahm Trade Reaction
Connor Thomas breaks down the Philadelphia Phillies trading Matt Strahm to the Kansas City Royals. He explains why the move happened, the underlying friction between Strahm and the organization, and why—unless it leads to a big move—he hates this salary-dump trade.

13:22 – Phillies Payroll & Offseason Options
Discussion shifts to what the Phillies can do with the roughly $7M saved from the trade. Connor Thomas lays out potential moves, like re-signing JT Realmuto, possible outfield/infielder upgrades, and what would constitute a good vs. bad use of the freed-up payroll.

24:03 – Fan Reactions & Contender Status
The episode transitions to fan reactions via the “Off the Poll” segment, examining whether fans believe the Phillies have done enough to remain World Series contenders. Connor Thomas compares the current roster to last year, gives his own opinion, and talks about the front office’s mindset versus fans’ expectations.

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The Philadelphia Phillies land hard-throwing righty Brad Keller to upgrade their bullpen, signaling a new era of late-inning dominance. Can Dave Dombrowski’s latest moves finally give the Phillies the relief depth they've been lacking—and will the revamped bullpen be enough to keep up with NL rivals like the Dodgers?

Connor Thomas breaks down Keller’s fit and contract, projects the new bullpen hierarchy alongside Jose Alvarado and Jhoan Duran, and questions the stability of Philadelphia’s outfield after Adolis Garcia’s addition. The episode tackles Dave Dombrowski’s surprising statements about the outfield’s readiness, weighs potential trade scenarios involving Nick Castellanos, and examines options at catcher and second base. As the Phillies’ offseason heats up, Connor Thomas asks: Has Philadelphia done enough to stay in the World Series hunt, or are crucial roster holes still unaddressed?

0:00 — Phillies Sign Brad Keller
Connor Thomas breaks down the Phillies’ impactful bullpen addition, Brad Keller. He covers Keller’s contract, pitching profile, and fit within the team’s high-leverage relief strategy.

10:26 — Dombrowski’s Outfield Comments
Discussion shifts to Dave Dombrowski’s recent remarks about the Phillies outfield being “pretty much set” after the Adolis Garcia move. Connor Thomas analyzes the plan, possible platoon options, and whether fans should trust the front office statements.

22:48 — What’s Left This Offseason
Connor Thomas explores what else the Phillies need to address. Focus on catcher (J.T. Realmuto), possible trades (Nick Castellanos), and minor tweaks remaining before spring training.

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The Philadelphia Phillies shake up their outfield, signing Adolis García to a one-year, $10 million deal—upping defensive prowess and right-handed power at Citizens Bank Park. Could this bold addition signal the end of Nick Castellanos’s tenure with the team and reshape the Phillies’ playoff ambitions?

Connor Thomas breaks down García’s fit in right field, what it means for Brandon Marsh and top prospect Justin Crawford, and why Castellanos’s contract could complicate trade scenarios. The episode digs into potential platoon strategies, analyzes the club’s evolving defensive alignment, and tackles listener questions about Harrison Bader’s free agency. With Dave Dombrowski rolling the dice on power and fielding upgrades, all eyes are on the Phillies’ next lineup moves and their pursuit of another deep postseason run.

0:00 – Phillies Sign Adolis Garcia
Connor Thomas breaks down the Phillies signing Adolis Garcia to a one-year, $10 million deal, discusses why it’s a great gamble, his defensive value, fit versus Nick Castellanos/Max Kepler, and the overall impact on the outfield and lineup.

10:56 – Nick Castellanos’ Future
Connor Thomas analyzes what the Garcia signing means for Nick Castellanos, discusses trade scenarios, the market difficulties in moving his contract, and why Castellanos’ time with the Phillies is likely over.

22:28 – Mailbag Monday: Outfield Moves
Mailbag segment with listener questions on the right field picture, alternative options, platoon scenarios, the possibility of bringing back Harrison Bader, plus thoughts on addressing center field through free agency.

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