Phillies preseason capsule: Window closing for aging veterans

Philadelphia Phillies

2024 record: 95-67 (1st place, NL East).

He gone: RHP Carlos Estevez, RHP Jeff Hoffman, RHP Spencer Turnbull, OF Austin Hays.

New faces: RHP Jordan Romano, OF Max Kepler, LHP Jesus Luzardo, RHP Joe Ross.

Biggest question entering Opening Day: Has the window already closed for the Phillies, who developed a unique bond and chemistry during a surprising run to the World Series in 2022 before they were tripped up by the randomness of the playoffs as favorites in each of the last two seasons? Five everyday players -- including catcher J.T. Realmuto and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, both of whom are entering their walk years -- are older than 30, as are co-aces Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler. The Phillies spend like a big-market team and have an aggressive Hall of Fame-bound general manager in Dave Dombrowski, so they won't be tearing things down anytime soon. But changes are coming if the latest Red October sequel produces more disappointment.

Top prospect: RHP Andrew Painter hasn't thrown a regular-season pitch since 2022 due to Tommy John surgery, but he's back on the radar after an impressive six-start cameo in the Arizona Fall League. Dombrowski said the team hopes to limit Painter's innings in the first half of the season in hopes of having him available to help the big league team down the stretch.

Breakout player: RHP John McMillon probably won't have a bullpen spot to open the season, but he's been clocked at 100 mph and is a sneaky candidate to emerge as a late-inning weapon.

2025 outlook: The Phillies are well-positioned to win the NL East again, but they would head into an offseason of uncertainty following another near-miss in the playoffs.

--Field Level Media