The Philadelphia Phillies reached the postseason in 2026, but were defeated in the Wild Card round. Philadelphia is looking to win its first World Series since the 2008 season. The team's championship window with the current core of players is not too far off from closing since many of their star players are getting older and/or their contracts may expire fairly soon. The Phillies need to consider making multiple additions in MLB free agency during the offseason.
Before discussing the specific potential free agency targets, though, we need to address their roster needs. The Cristopher Sanchez and Zack Wheeler-led starting rotation could use one more reliable pitcher. Philadelphia's bullpen would benefit from another arm or two. Alec Bohm and Luis Arraez are now free agents, so they will need to consider bringing in an infielder. Signing one more outfielder would not be a bad idea as well.
In other words, the Phillies are rather strong at most position groups, but it feels like each group isn't complete yet. With that being said, here are the four players the team must consider signing in MLB free agency this offseason.
Freddy Peralta, starting pitcher
The Phillies could be involved in the Tarik Skubal free agency sweepstakes. Skubal is going to receive a massive deal, though. Signing him may limit their other options in free agency, and Philadelphia has more than just starting pitching to address.
Freddy Peralta is a star pitcher who would give the rotation a boost, but his expected deal also wouldn't break the bank like a Skubal contract would.
Peralta struggled in the first half of the 2026 season with the New York Mets. He was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays before the deadline in August and completely turned his season around. The 30-year-old had a 3.25 ERA with Tampa Bay after recording a 4.99 ERA with New York.
Peralta could turn the Phillies rotation into an unquestionably reliable unit.
Sean Newcomb, relief pitcher
Sean Newcomb enjoyed a big season with the Chicago White Sox in 2026. As far as left-handed relievers are concerned in free agency, Adrian Morejon is going to receive the most attention. Newcomb should not be overlooked, however.
The southpaw turned in a strong 3.09 ERA in 60 appearances with Chicago this past season. He also had a 2.57 ERA in his four playoff appearances.
The Phillies bullpen needs another quality left-handed option. Newcomb would give the bullpen a crucial boost.
Eugenio Suarez, third base/designated hitter (and maybe first base?)
Eugenio Suarez's potential fit with the Phillies may be a bit questionable in all reality. The 35-year-old spent just 50 games at third base in 2026 with the Cincinnati Reds compared to 75 at designated hitter. Of course, Kyle Schwarber is Philadelphia's DH, so Suarez would have to spend more time in the infield.
So, why does the fit make sense?
The Phillies' best hitters right now are left-handed (Schwarber, Bryce Harper, Brandon Marsh). Signing Suarez would give the ball club a right-handed bat with legitimate power. Even in an up and down season in 2026 that saw him hit just .212 with a .740 OPS, Suarez still hit 26 home runs. In 2025, he had 49 long balls.
The defensive uncertainty is understandable. If the Phillies don't want him playing third base every day, he could spend some time at first base if Bryce Harper needs a day off. Or, Harper is capable of moving to the outfield. Suarez only has a handful of games played at first base in his career, but it is something they could work with him on during spring training.
Article Continues BelowIt is worth mentioning that Suarez does have a mutual option with the Reds, but those options are rarely picked up by both sides.
Seiya Suzuki, right field
Harper will likely move back to first base for the most part next year. Philadelphia had to get creative after the trade deadline, as the team acquired Arraez which shifted Bohm over to first base. As mentioned, both Arraez and Bohm are now free agents.
The Phillies need another outfielder and Seiya Suzuki could make sense as a player to pursue in free agency. The 32-year-old is a right fielder who hit .270 with an .841 OPS this past season with the Chicago Cubs. He added 26 home runs and 31 doubles.
As discussed with Suarez, Philadelphia needs more right-handed power in the lineup. Suzuki would present them with that while helping to address their outfield uncertainty.
He is capable of moving around the outfield as well. He's spent time at all three outfield positions in his big league career — although he's only spent one game in center field. Suzuki is a corner outfielder, and he's played most of his career in right field.

