The Philadelphia Phillies are one of the top teams in baseball in 2025, and they are looking to not just clinch the NL East but also secure a first-round bye. After a strong stretch to begin September, the Phillies are one game away from winning the East and can further separate themselves from the Los Angeles Dodgers for a first-round bye.
With the strong pitching staff, revamped bullpen, and hot offense, the Phillies are one of the top contenders in 2025, and in a recent piece from Jesse Rogers of ESPN, that sentiment was shared by those in Major League Baseball.
But, beyond 2025 and this October, one National League executive made a bold claim about the Phillies, which paints this upcoming 2025 postseason as the Phillies' last chance to win the World Series.
NL executive claims 2025 postseason is Phillies 'last hurrah' to win the World Series
"It's their last hurrah, right?" an NL exec said. "They have older players, some of whom will be free agents at the end of the season."
This claim paints the upcoming postseason as the last chance for the Phillies to win the World Series with this core of players. It's a bold claim to make, especially since the free agents set to depart either have replacements waiting in the wings or can be re-signed.
Kyle Schwarber will be a free agent, but the Phillies don't want him to go anywhere and will look to re-sign him. JT Realmuto, Harrison Bader, and Ranger Suarez are all free agents as well, but the Phillies could still bring one or two of them back if they move some money around.
Even with their potential departures, the Phillies have a few intriguing prospects who can debut in 2026, while also still having Harper, Trea Turner, Cristopher Sanchez, and many others to give the team a chance in the coming years.
MORE: Phillies' Kyle Schwarber receives $35 million free agent prediction
"I just can't see Bryce Harper going his career without a ring," the NL executive said. "And this is their best chance, even without Zack Wheeler."
It's one thing to say this season is the Phillies' best chance, which might not be far from the truth, but to call the 2025 postseason the Phillies' "last hurrah" is a ridiculous statement to make.
There are some long-term concerns, but not so much that the Phillies won't have a chance to win the World Series in 2026 and in the following years. There will be some turnover after 2025, but the team will still be strong.
This October is one of the best chances the Phillies will get to make a World Series run, but it's far from their "last hurrah" with this core of players.
While the Phillies will lose some talent after 2025, and there's no guarantee they'll stay healthy in the future, this claim is still a ridiculous one to make, considering how the Phillies are set up.
They have the pieces to be top contenders for years to come, and while 2025 might be their best shot, they will still be a top contender in the following years, even if the team isn't as strong as it is in 2025.
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