Phillies Notes: Bullpen moves up, last on Realmuto, Harper’s WBC originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Phillies reliever focus continued Monday with the signing of right-hander Zach Popbringing the club’s 40-man roster to 39 and strengthening where much of its winter attention has been directed.
Advertisement
Bullpen additions shape outlook for 2026
At the trade deadline in July, the Phillies’ priority was to get the lockout closer. They acquired Jhoan Duran, but inconsistent middle relief exposed a weakness down the stretch and in the NLDS. These struggles influenced much of the club’s work during the offseason.
Last week, the Phillies signed right-hander Brad Keller to a two-year, $22 million contract, adding a stable option late in the round.
“We love Keller,” president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said during Friday’s press briefing. “We really think he’s one of the best in the business. We really like the way the bullpen is shaping up now.”
Advertisement
Keller has become one of the league’s most reliable relievers in 2025, posting a 2.07 ERA in 69 2/3 innings. The 30-year-old was particularly effective in a passing role, facing 135 batters in the eighth inning, limiting his opponents to a .135/.179/.189 slash line.
“All of our scouting work, our analytical work, our pitchers — between Caleb (Cotham) and the rest of the group — everyone thinks he’s a legitimate back-end type guy,” Dombrowski said.
THE the measures support this confidence. Keller’s average fastball velocity jumped 3.4 mph from 2024 (93.7) to 2025 (97.1). This coincides with his move from the rotation to the bullpen full-time.
“I wouldn’t say I expected a four-mile-an-hour jump,” Keller said during his introductory news conference Monday. “But I felt like I worked really hard, cleaned up the mechanicals and started focusing on using my lower half.”
Advertisement
The bullpen continued to evolve. The Phillies traded left-hander Matt Strahm in Kansas City for right-hander Jonathan Bowlanthen acquired left-hander Kyle Backhus from Arizona later the same day. The result is a deeper, more diverse group built around the matchups and versatility at Rob Thomson’s disposal.
Update on Realmuto
The Phillies remain without a definitive daily option behind the plate.
According to Todd Zolecki of MLB.comthe club has had an offer for JT Realmuto for more than two weeks. ESPN’s Jeff Passan previously reported Realmuto is not looking to do a three-year deal, although the market remains fluid.
Advertisement
Entering his age-35 season, a three-year contract would be rare. According to MLB Trade Rumorsonly two receivers have signed contracts of this length entering this senior season: Carlos Ruiz (three years, $26 million in 2013) and Yadier Molina (three years, $60 million in 2017).
Ruiz posted a .670 OPS and averaged 1.4 WAR over that span. Molina produced a .738 OPS with an average of 1.5 WAR. Since joining the Phillies in 2019, Realmuto has averaged 3.6 WAR per season.
Whether Philadelphia ultimately reaches Realmuto’s price or seeks an alternative, his value — both offensively and in running a pitching staff — remains significant. Any contingency plan would more likely come from trade than a small free agent catching class.
Where is the payroll?
The Associated Press tracks payroll figures for all 30 clubs each season.
Advertisement
Phillies luxury tax payroll currently stands at $314,329,912. According to the Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirerthat figure would result in $56.1 million in tax penalties — the fourth-highest total in baseball.
Last season, the Phillies’ payroll was reported at $264,314,134which represents a year-over-year increase of more than $50 million. It remains to be seen whether the club will reallocate money via trade or add Realmuto as a final 40-man roster spot.
Harper commits to the World Baseball Classic
Bryce Harper’s 2026 campaign will start early.
The Phillies first baseman announced on Instagram that he plans to represent Team USA at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Advertisement
“I put the colors on my chest for the first time when I was 15” Harper wrote. “No other feeling like it. I’m excited to announce that I will be representing Team USA this year at the WBC.”
Harper, 33, joins Kyle Schwarber, who announced his commitment moments before re-signing with the Phillies. The tournament runs March 5-17 during spring training.
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa had a need at first base. He found his answer.
