Phillies 2025-2026 Hot Stove Discussion

[zambonir]

Well, I guess he's due to win a championship right?

He and Thomson actually never overlapped on the Yankees. But I dunno - qualified as he is, still doesn't seem like the best look having the GM's Dad be your bench coach, especially when it's assumed Topper could be one really terrible stretch (a la the one that got him the job in the first place) or fourth straight playoff disappointment away from being done.

[Philsmania]

Well, I guess he's due to win a championship right?

He and Thomson actually never overlapped on the Yankees. But I dunno - qualified as he is, still doesn't seem like the best look having the GM's Dad be your bench coach, especially when it's assumed Topper could be one really terrible stretch (a la the one that got him the job in the first place) or fourth straight playoff disappointment away from being done.

The nepotism part is new but putting an experienced manager on the coaching staff is not. Remember prior to 2007 when Gillick hiring Jimy Williams, Davey Lopes and Art Howe (who left just a few weeks later), all of whom had prior ML managerial experience was widely seen as a shot across Charlie Manuel's bow. Suffice it to say, Charlie saved his job in 2007 and the next season.

[zambonir]

Right, it's not at all new (see also, Ryne Sandberg being promoted to the big league dugout).

The nepotism part might actually give the team pause - like, should the worst happen and Topper get gassed in-season, might be better to let someone else have the interim gig (nearly all the coaches could do it) and then let that person and Mattingly and others be part of a proper search.

[andyb]

It was a Phillies Nation rumor so who knows if it is true or just speculation on the announcement.

[julio]

[zambonir]

If memory serves the first rumored name was Shelton, and he got the Twins manager job.

Only one job left if Mattingly wants to manage again and it's the worst one.

[andyb]

Schwarber and Suarez get qualifying offers. Compensation is only a pick after the 4th round if we lose either of them, but I guess that is better than nothing. Note in 2024 there was only one pick after the 4th and it carried a slot of $539,700 (Braves).

[biggsphils]

I'm assuming there is a rule why J.T. was not tendered ?

[zambonir]

You can only be QO'ed once in your career.

[zambonir]

MLBTR with a few unpredictable predictions from individual writers here, including Tucker, Bregman and even Cease to the Phillies, even as they all think Schwarber stays ($135M/five years).

They all think Bichette stays in Toronto. None of them have Ranger returning.

2025-26 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions

Three of the four say JT comes back, one says Padres. $30M/two years.

Bader, $26M/two years (nobody predicts that with Phillies).