Phillies notes: Outfield, Harper in the spotlight during GM Meetings in Vegas

Phillies notes: Outfield, Harper in the spotlight during GM Meetings in Vegas originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

At this point, it would be more surprising not to hear about the Phillies’ outfield, Bryce Harper or Kyle Schwarber’s market. Those three topics have dominated headlines, and they were front and center again at the MLB GM Meetings in Las Vegas.

Bader’s IG message – not a goodbye

Harrison Bader set off a mini-storm with his season-ending Instagram post:

“PHILLY BABY … Two and a half months was not nearly enough … To the ones who made it happen — THANK YOU. To every screaming fan — I LOVE YOU and THANK YOU. To a clubhouse I’m humbled to have been a part of — especially, THANK YOU.”

To some, it read like a farewell. But 94WIP’s Devan Kaney reported that a source said the message “does not mean he’s not returning in the slightest.” It was gratitude, not a signal.

The Phillies remain interested in bringing him back. Dave Dombrowski told The Athletic that Bader’s camp “knows we have interest” and understands the club would like him to return, while also acknowledging Bader plans to explore the market after one of the best seasons of his career.

Phillies likely to move on, but ‘open-minded’ on Castellanos

Nick Castellanos’ outlook for 2026 remains unsettled.

Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Dombrowski has already met multiple times with Castellanos since the season ended, and in those discussions noted that “a change of scenery” can sometimes benefit a player coming off a difficult year.

Nothing is imminent, but the Inquirer also noted the Phillies could evaluate potential trade frameworks — including the idea of a bad-contract swap. Castellanos, 33, is owed $20 million and enters the final season of his five-year, $100 million deal.

Justin Crawford will factor into the outfield picture

One of the clearest takeaways from the GM Meetings came from Matt Gelb of The Athletic, who reported that Justin Crawford is firmly in the mix for the Opening Day roster.

“In my mind, Crawford has a real strong chance to be with our club,” Dombrowski told Gelb. “We think he can play center field.”

Crawford’s speed gives him the range the position demands, and the Phillies sound confident in the 21-year-old. If he earns a starting role, Brandon Marsh — potentially part of a platoon — may be the only other outfield certainty.

Harper, Dombrowski had a ‘nice conversation’

Harper’s name also surfaced after his reaction to Dombrowski’s end-of-season remarks circulated last month. MLB.com‘s Todd Zolecki noted that the two spoke before the GM Meetings and reportedly cleared the air.

Dombrowski also highlighted where he views Harper defensively. The two-time MVP has said he would return to the outfield if the Phillies added a significant bat at first base, but the president of baseball operations reiterated that the club still views him as its everyday first baseman.

“We really appreciate that aspect of it, but we really look at him as a first baseman at this time,” Dombrowski told Zolecki. “He’s a good first baseman and he continues to get better. We really like our club with him there, so I think he is more of our first baseman.”

Schwarber drawing early interest, including from Boston

Kyle Schwarber’s free-agent market is already in motion.

MLB Network’s Jon Morosi projected him as one of the earliest major free agents to sign, noting that the designated hitter’s market is “more defined” than others.

FanSided’s Robert Murray added that the Red Sox have interest, a logical fit given Schwarber’s impactful two-month stint in Boston in 2021 and their need for left-handed power.

The Phillies want him back, but the competition is very real.

Boras weighs in on Ranger Suárez’s market

Ranger Suárez hasn’t been a major topic early in free agency, but his agent Scott Boras made sure his name surfaced in Las Vegas.

Speaking with USA Today, Boras highlighted Suárez’s reputation in October:

“There’s no doubt that anyone that looks at the playoffs, the last three, four years,” he said. “If you’re interested in acquiring a postseason pitcher that has proven himself, I would suggest you don’t want to miss the Suarez postseason soiree.”

“Proven” might undersell it. Suárez owns a dominant 1.48 ERA across 42 2/3 postseason innings — one of the best playoff track records of any active starter.

A new name enters the trade landscape

A fresh wrinkle emerged when Dan Hayes of The Athletic shared that Byron Buxton may reconsider his no-trade clause if the Twins continue dismantling their roster.

There’s no direct Phillies link in the reporting, but in an offseason where right-handed outfield help is a priority, Buxton’s name adds another potential path.

The 32-year-old is coming off a career season: 35 homers, 83 RBIs, a .264/.327/.551 slash line, a perfect 24-for-24 on stolen bases and a Silver Slugger Award.

He’s owed just over $15 million annually for the next three seasons — a team-friendly structure that would fit many clubs, including the Phillies.