Phillies 2026 News and Discussion

[zambonir]

Wheeler Window might not be closing after all. Of course, he could also go to another team.

https://www.mlb.com/phillies/news/zack-wheeler-might-pitch-beyond-current-contract

Zack Wheeler first said a few weeks ago to NBC Sports Philadelphia that he might pitch beyond his current contract, which expires at the end of the 2027 season.

He said it again Tuesday to USA Today.

But the third time is the charm, isn’t it?

“My saying is, never say never,” Wheeler repeated on Wednesday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park.

[andyb]

I always thought it would be a year to year thing like Clemons and Pedro the last few years. I don't think he'll be a half season guy looking for a playoff team. He'll just see where he is physically and decide if he wants to do the routine for another year.

[zambonir]

More like Verlander in my mind. He probably could have gotten the Phillies to give him another year. Probably makes more money this way though. Question is will it be a Phillies/Braves bidding war. Will they even let him hit free agency?

[VoteForKalas]

Exactly. After you come back from a serious injury like he had and pitch so well at his age, it is likely hard to think the end is near.

[zambonir]

I'm sure the feeling that he lost some time, and how good he feels now, played a part as well. A lot of HOF talk in the article, since counting stats and even career starts not as big a factor as in the past.

[BostonRoss]

Are you suggesting the Braves because Wheeler is from Georgia? I think the incidence of players returning “home” is low. If he wants to keep pitching, he’ll follow the money.

[zambonir]

It's low but not non-existent. Not saying he'd take less money, mind you. Just the opposite. The conventional wisdom is the Phillies blinked on Nola's contract because they thought the Braves or the Texas teams were in the mix, both closer to home for him (and no tax in Texas). And in Wheeler's case it's actually where he still lives, not where's he's merely from.

I don't know what I would do if I'm the Phillies. Their moves have all been geared for a Wheeler-less world (and payroll) after 2027 but that was with Painter being anywhere from his replacement to a solid 3-4 and Nola being a stable 4-5. And as easily as they cut loose Ranger this front office is a lot more sentimental about its top stars. I'm sure in Middleton's head Wheeler is never going to wear another uniform, just like he has repeatedly - if somewhat foolishly/unbelievably - said about Harper too.

[julio]

Rafael Marchan to the 10-day IL, with patellar tendinitis. Payton Henry selected from AAA. Brad Keller to the 60-day IL.

[andyb]

Henry probably gone when Stubbs is back though whatever they do with the 5th starter slot might depend on whether they want to DFA anyone.

[julio]

Also this tidbit:

Here’s a hint for a Saturday starter (or bulk pitcher) for the Phillies: Brian Keller has a locker in the clubhouse. No move until after tonight’s game, obviously, but 32-year-old righty has a 2.23 ERA in eight starts for Lehigh Valley.

— Scott Lauber ( @ScottLauber ) July 24, 2026

[andyb]

That was always the logical move. McFarlane probably down after tonight. Somebody gets a DFA tomorrow and there are several candidates.

With Brad being hurt I guess the uniform guy does not need to get the "Bri" on the back of his jersey yet. I am happy for him. It has been a long journey to the big leagues and he gets to face his old team the Yankees. He got hurt and did not have success in Japan like Foster Griffin, but maybe he came away with similar knowledge about how to pitch with pedestrian stuff.

[David_Criss]

Henry, the same guy released by Scranton last month and who is tearing it up to a .074 clip in AAA as opposed to Payton Henry who is hitting .271 with a .339 OBP????? Brilliant move

[andyb]

We clearly value defense in our backup catcher. And he might not even play. Stubbs was retroactive to the 18th so he could play on the 28th. Night game against the Yankees Sunday so we really don't have a day game after a night game until Wednesday the 29th. We'll be asking JT to play 4 or 5 in a row and it is not like he still does not do that all the time.

[zambonir]

Henry, the same guy released by Scranton last month and who is tearing it up to a .074 clip in AAA as opposed to Payton Henry who is hitting .271 with a .339 OBP????? Brilliant move

Your post makes no sense.

But either way, it was a brilliant move. It's not about the stats it's about depth and Phillies correctly anticipated they needed some. They're all fungible but Henry has far more AAA experience than McIntosh (which is obviously who you meant in your second sentence, I now realize).

[zambonir]

That was always the logical move. McFarlane probably down after tonight. Somebody gets a DFA tomorrow and there are several candidates.

Took me a second to realize the chain of events here. McFarlane will be optioned, but someone has to come off the 40 for Keller too. It doesn't seem like that easy a decision to me, who do you think?

[andyb]

Yep. The catching move ruined our Keller for Keller 40-man move. But it is not like there are not a couple pieces on the 40 that could go. Or even another 60-day move. They know the extent of the Stubbs and Marchan injuries and whether they will get better. Trivino and Banks too.

[zambonir]

Yeah I just can't immediately pick the guy to gas, though most of them would probably clear waivers. Trivino or Banks to the 60 another option as you suggest. I certainly hope the catchers aren't that hurt.

Of course there will be a lot of roster shuffling in a week or so.

[zambonir]

Phillies got busy with the transactions (in addition to the one andy posted on the minors thread)

[andyb]

I had a feeling Banks was more serious than reported. Pitchers just don't lose command like he did without something physical going on.

[zambonir]

Well I guess the bad news is he's probably done for the year, no chance of being fixed this season. The good news is he'll probably have a lot of time to bounce back next year during the lockout, and he'd still be cheap in 2028 too. Last option gone and he's no kid though!