As the Philadelphia Phillies approach the 2024 offseason, their roster decisions will be shaped by both performance and financial strategy.

While the team is committed to winning, certain players may find themselves on the outside looking in as the front office looks to the future. Here are three Philadelphia Phillies who might not return for the 2025 season, and the reasons behind it.

1. Taijuan Walker (SP)

Signed to a four-year, $72 million contract before the 2023 season, Taijuan Walker has provided stability to the Phillies’ starting rotation.

However, his performance has been inconsistent, especially during the latter half of the 2024 season. His ERA, often above 4.00, and occasional struggles with command have left fans questioning whether he’s truly the long-term solution.

At 32 years old, Walker may become a casualty of the team’s efforts to reshape the rotation with younger, higher-ceiling options. Given his hefty salary and uneven production, the Phillies may explore trading him or not renewing his contract after 2024, especially if they prioritize adding a top-of-the-rotation arm.

2. Kyle Schwarber (OF/DH)

Kyle Schwarber’s power bat has been a key contributor to the Phillies’ lineup, particularly during the 2022 postseason. But as he gets older, his limitations in defense and overall batting consistency are becoming more evident. Schwarber’s strikeout rate remains high, and his batting average often hovers in the .200s, making him a liability in certain matchups.

While his home run potential is undeniable, the Phillies may decide to move on from him if they want a more well-rounded, defensively capable player in the outfield or at designated hitter.

With younger players like Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, and others, the team might look to reallocate resources towards better overall contributors.

3. Jose Alvarado (RP) 

Jose Alvarado is one of the most dominant relief pitchers in baseball when he’s on, but his injury history and struggles with consistency make him a risky investment long-term. Alvarado’s electric stuff, including his high-90s fastball and devastating slider, has often made him a game-changer in the late innings.

However, when he’s not sharp, his control issues can lead to high walk rates and blown saves. With the Phillies likely to seek out bullpen reinforcements, they may decide to part ways with Alvarado if they find a more reliable arm or if they believe his injury-prone nature could lead to continued setbacks.

Additionally, Alvarado’s arbitration status might make him an expensive option for a team already working to balance payroll.

Conclusion  

As the Phillies continue to evolve, decisions about which players to keep, trade, or let walk will be critical to their future success. Walker, Schwarber, and Alvarado each have their merits, but their potential decline in value—whether due to performance or injury—may push the Phillies to look elsewhere as they build a championship-caliber team for 2025 and beyond.