Overview

• Dave Dombrowski said Rob Thomson will return with an extra year added to his deal and the team will hire an outside bench coach, moving Matt Calitri to major league field coordinator.
• Dombrowski publicly said he is unsure whether Bryce Harper can be elite again after a .261/.357/.487 season, describing him as a very good, All-Star–caliber player rather than top‑10 level.
• Re-signing Kyle Schwarber is a stated priority, with J.T. Realmuto, Ranger Suárez and Harrison Bader also on the list, though Dombrowski cautioned the Phillies cannot keep everyone.
• Philadelphia will manage a roughly $290 million payroll with owner John Middleton’s support, with Dombrowski saying they will not approach $400 million but will seek targeted improvements.
• Dombrowski indicated he would be surprised if José Alvarado isn’t back on a $9 million option, and local chatter about trading Harper was noted by radio hosts but remains speculative given his long, expensive contract.