The Phillies are expected to be among the busiest teams this offseason. Why? Because between free agency and the trade market, there’s plenty on their to-do list. For instance, they’re looking to boost the offense. And with Kyle Schwarber’s future in Philadelphia still up in the air, that need feels even more urgent. However, the big question is whether they should spend big on top free agents or try to take advantage of their lineup depth to make smart trades.

Of course, dipping too far into that depth could come back to haunt them down the road. But it’s the dilemma President Dave Dombrowski is navigating at a time when three key players on the roster are already surrounded by trade uncertainty.

“The Phillies have gotten trade calls on left-handed relievers Matt Strahm, Jose Alvarado, and Tanner Banks… Philadelphia could leverage its bullpen depth for help in a different area of the roster.” MLB Trade Rumors’ Anthony Franco shared the dilemma being faced by the Phillies’ boss.

So, among the Phillies’ three left-handed relievers, Strahm is probably the most notable trade candidate. His $7.5 million option for 2025 already vested, and he’s been their steadiest bullpen arm. And at 33, he put together a 2.74 ERA over 66 games, striking out 70 in 62.1 innings. Moreover, what could be a better proposition for the Phillies is his 3.86 ERA in three postseason outings. That might come in handy next year.

Alvarado, meanwhile, is set to make $9 million in 2026. But he is coming off a season shortened by a PED suspension. He appeared in just 28 games, posting a 3.81 ERA with 32 SOs, seven walks, and a 117 ERA+ over 26 innings.

So even though moving one of these guys might make sense on paper, it could easily backfire because the Phillies don’t have many lefty bullpen arms to begin with.

That’s why, if a trade happens, the Phillies probably keep at least two of them to maintain some left-handed stability.

Still, there’s always the possibility the Phillies swing big for offensive help, even if it means parting with two of these three relievers.

Remember how things are going with Bryce Harper on the team? So, the offense needs immediate reinforcement, even if it is worth weakening the bullpen.

The Phillies are currently in search of reliable bats

The Phillies’ hottest rumor right now is their pursuit of Kyle Tucker.

And fans are already buzzing about what the lineup could look like with Schwarber, Harper, and Tucker all stacked together.

But Tucker isn’t the only impact bat they’ve been linked to. Another intriguing name is Ketel Marte from the Diamondbacks.

Well, the Phillies need more right-handed pop, and Marte would check that box in a big way. If you can recall, during Arizona’s 2023 World Series run, he hit .329 with a .914 OPS, and his career postseason OPS sits at an impressive .974 over 21 games.

In 2025, Marte posted a .283 average with an .893 OPS across 126 games. He racked up 136 hits, 87 runs, 28 doubles, 28 homers, and 72 RBIs.

Plus, he’s not a short-term rental. At 32, he’s under contract through 2030 on a very manageable six-year, $105 million deal.

So, adding him would be a considerable upgrade for the Phillies’ offense. And if dealing one of their lefty relievers could get it done, it’s something the front office has to weigh seriously.

Now, that’s the dilemma… Should the Phillies push hard for more offense even if it means thinning out their bullpen, or stick with the depth they already have and avoid weakening a key part of the roster?