Phillies Explore Positional Flexibility for 2025 Season

The Philadelphia Phillies are exploring positional flexibility with key players like J.T. Realmuto and Kyle Schwarber to enhance team performance. Manager Rob Thomson suggested that Realmuto, traditionally a catcher, consider playing the outfield to lighten his workload and keep his bat in the lineup, though this remains tentative. Realmuto is in the final year of his contract and has expressed interest in staying with the team, despite the complexities of negotiating a new deal for a catcher his age. Meanwhile, the Phillies are also focusing on their bullpen, with promising reliever Orion Kerkering receiving high praise from Realmuto, who sees him as a potential long-term closer. This aligns with the Phillies' strategy to leverage their veteran roster, aiming for World Series contention in 2025. The team is adopting a closer-by-committee approach, with several relievers competing for the role.