Dave Dombrowski pours cold water on hopes of late spring training signings
The Phillies had an underwhelming offseason due to financial reasons, so the thought of any significant additions before the season starts is unlikely.
Phillies fans were hoping for more this offseason to give them hope after seeing their team regress each year during the postseason since the 2022 World Series appearance. It will be tough to knock off the 2024 World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, who were big spenders this offseason to improve an already loaded roster.
It doesn’t sound like Dave Dombrowski plans on making any spring training signings
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski spoke to reporters on Wednesday during the team’s first official workout this spring at BayCare Ballpark.
“Well, it’s never say never, but I’d be surprised if anything would happen of any significance at this point,” Dombrowski told reporters about the free agents left on the market
The Phillies were in a tough situation this offseason regarding the luxury tax. They have one of the highest payrolls in baseball and all but secured breaking through the fourth luxury tax threshold with their offseason acquisitions. As a result, the organization will have to pay a 110 percent tax on all overages.
The Phillies made four notable moves this offseason. They signed former Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano, former Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler and former Milwaukee Brewers swingman Joe Ross to one-year deals. Dombrowski acquired 27-year-old left-handed starter Jesús Luzardo from the Miami Marlins, who is under team control for the next two years.
These weren’t earth-shattering moves, but they’re moves that should improve the team in areas that plagued them a season ago.
