3 Philadelphia Phillies Who Won’t Return in 2025

After heading into the postseason as one of the World Series favorites, bullpen woes and a moribund bottom of the lineup were among the troubles that the Philadelphia Phillies had in their unexpected NLDS loss to the New York Mets.

And you know that president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski will not stand idly by this off-season. Changes are coming to the City of Brotherly Love, and it's safe to say that among them, these three players will not be returning in 2025.

Taijuan Walker

At two more years, with $18 million owing per season, it's possible that Walker has seen his Phillies run come to an end. He put up a preposterous 7.10 ERA with an equally woeful 1.72 WHIP this season. His 58:37 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 83.2 innings also won't inspire any confidence.

He was effective in his first season in Philly in 2023 with a 15-6 record, though that came with a 4.38 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. This season, however, he was demoted to the bullpen in September where his luck didn't change much.

Austin Hays

A trade deadline acquisition that did not work out for Dombrowski, Hays had a .672 OPS in 80 plate appearances for the Phillies, with an 86 OPS+. He also missed time with hamstring problems and a kidney issue. With an arbitration estimate of $6.4 million, it's unlikely the Phils will use that money on Hays.

Garrett Stubbs

As JT Realmuto ages (going into his age-34 season next year), it's clear the Phillies will need a better backup behind the plate to take on more responsibility. While Stubbs is a fan favorite, his offense the past two seasons has been nearly non-existent, as he posted a .207 average this year with a .558 OPS (a 59 OPS+), and those numbers are actually a small tick above what he posted in 2023. Overall he had a .207/.296/.262 slash line with one home run and 11 RBI.

Time for an upgrade at the backup spot.