The Philadelphia Phillies, typically a major player in the free-agent market, have had an unusually quiet offseason, leaving their fanbase disappointed as they reportedly won’t make any more “impactful” signings, a development that should bring joy to Atlanta Braves fans. Despite having one of the highest payrolls in MLB, with a significant portion allocated to their star players, the Phillies’ most significant acquisition this winter was Max Kepler on a one-year deal.
This lack of activity comes as a surprise, especially considering the team’s high expectations and historical aggressive pursuit of free agents. Phillies’ President of Baseball Operations, Dave Dombrowski, confirmed that the team is likely done making major moves, signaling a shift in their usual strategy. This news leaves the Braves in a strong position as they still have about $25 million to spend before reaching the luxury tax limit.
While the Braves have made only minor moves so far this offseason, they remain active in their pursuit of improvements, unlike the Phillies, who seem content with their current roster. The Phillies’ inability to make more substantial changes is a missed opportunity, as a single major signing could have shifted the balance in the NL East. For Braves fans, knowing that their team still has room to make an impact move is a promising sign, and it could easily change the dynamics of the division. As the offseason continues, the Braves’ general manager, Alex Anthopoulos, is expected to make at least one significant move, which would place Atlanta in an even stronger position to challenge for the top spot in the NL East. With the Phillies seemingly stagnant, any moves the Braves make now would amplify the gap between the two teams and could create a major storyline heading into the 2025 season.
