The Phillies won 95 regular-season games in 2024, the second-most in MLB. They won their first league title since 2011. In the end, none of it mattered. Philadelphia's playoff run lasted four games. They were bounced by the Mets in the NLDS.

The offensive was mostly quiet. The start was solid. The bullpen imploded.

The organization doesn't know exactly what happened. They know it's not easy to win. They also know that a team has to be at its best when everything is on the line — something the Phillies didn't do this October.

“It's hard to win,” said Dave Dombrowski, president of baseball operations, at his year-end press conference on Oct. 15. “There are a lot of good clubs out there. That’s why you just have to be the club that plays best at the right time.”

Dombrowski answered questions for 45 minutes and addressed several topics. Some of his more important answers centered around the Phillies' offseason plans.

Dombrowski didn't get too specific. He put forward some ideas. Some answers were generalized. Others were more obvious. Changes seem likely.

Dombrowski doesn't think the Phillies need another star

Dombrowski was asked about the need to sign a star player this offseason. He doesn't believe that.

“I don’t think we need to sign any more star players,” Dombrowski said. “We have as many stars as anyone in baseball. So I don't necessarily think you need to add anything more. Would you be open to that? Yes. But I think you have to be careful because sometimes it’s not just the star players, sometimes it’s the supporting cast too (that’s important).”

Dombrowski left the option open: “I'm not saying we won't get a star player. But I don't think it's a necessity.”

The Phillies may only have one star to pursue this winter: Juan Soto.

With the pitching staff mostly set, the lineup will likely be adjusted. Soto would help with that.

The Phillies have been linked to Soto this winter. It's the nature of the business. Philadelphia has spent a lot of money in recent offseasons. Managing partner John Middleton has made it clear he wants to win. The Phillies have become a desirable destination for major league players.

To some extent, the Phillies will be involved in the Soto sweepstakes. It wouldn't make sense not to be. However, according to the man who runs the front office, adding a star isn't necessary.

“Sometimes you trade good players for good players”

Before discussing the idea of ​​adding another star, Dombrowski was asked how he could improve the roster in general.

He didn't go into much detail. He would never do that. But he gave some general ideas.

Dombrowski said the Phillies need to be open-minded this winter. You need to talk to some clubs.

“Sometimes you trade good players for good players,” he said.

What that means is unclear. It's a general answer to a general question. But reading between the lines isn't difficult; Improving the 2025 roster could come by trading a player who has helped the Phillies win in recent years.

Maybe Brandon Marsh will get traded. It could be Alec Bohm or Bryson Stott. Maybe none of them will be moved. The front office could put together a prospect package to acquire a hitter who better fits what they want from the future roster. Dombrowski noted that he would like to see a more consistent all-field approach to the 2025 roster.

How Dombrowski will improve the Phillies in 2025 is uncertain. He can't do much. He has to get creative. All options are on the table.

Other tidbits

Dombrowski said the Phillies could improve the fifth spot in their starting pitching rotation. There will be competition for this spot in spring training. Taijuan Walker will be there.

Top pitching prospect Andrew Painter will be in the fifth-starter mix at some point next year. Painter has had Tommy John surgery; The 2025 plan for him has not yet been decided.

The backup catcher will be a spot the Phillies analyze. They want JT Realmuto to catch less and rest more in 2025. That would mean a bigger role for their No. 2 catcher. The internal options are Garrett Stubbs and Rafael Marchan. Both have disadvantages. Stubbs' offense is not good. Marchan, who has no minor league options, is injury prone. Adding an outside catcher could happen.

Dombrowski does not expect the club to re-sign both Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estevez. It is more likely to bring back just one of the support staff. Dealing with the bullpen will be a priority.

According to Dombrowski, the team's outfield is less certain than the infield for 2025. Revamping the outfield — most likely left and center field — will also be a priority.

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