Dombrowski eyes ways to keep Phillies’ veterans fresh, bolster outfield

Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski announced plans this offseason to find ways to rest veteran players and keep them fresh. To create designated hitter opportunities for Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and J.T. Realmuto, the team intends to play Kyle Schwarber at first base for roughly 30 games. Dombrowski also explicitly aims to reduce Realmuto's catching workload following a season in which he caught 123 games.

Executing this plan will require Philadelphia to bolster its roster through free agency or trades, particularly across the outfield and at backup catcher. With Harper primarily remaining at first base, Dombrowski must address outfield needs from outside the organization.