Scott Lauber

Harper captured the award for the fourth time overall. He won his previous three Silver Sluggers as an outfielder.

Kaplan, 42, specializes in the training and development of pitchers, with an emphasis on biomechanics. He had not coached in pro ball before the Phillies hired him in 2022.

Sasaki is considered one of the best pitchers in the world. His market will include all 30 teams, notably the Phillies, who scouted Sasaki this season.

As the Phillies try to diversify their lineup, it’s very possible their door in center keeps revolving. But they’re not the only ones looking for answers at that position.

There are echoes of Bryce Harper’s free agency in the Soto sweepstakes, right down to the young age at which they reached the market. Soto wants an owner committed to winning, the agent says.

The Phillies may seek creative solutions to enhance their lineup, but moving Harper, a Gold Glove finalist in his first full season at first base, back to the outfield isn’t one of them.

Baseball converged on San Antonio this week to formally begin the offseason with the general managers' meetings. Inquirer Phillies writers Scott Lauber and Lochlahn March were there as Phillies president Dave Dombrowski and others discussed their plans to improve their rosters this offseason. Here’s what they are taking away from all they heard.

The Chicago White Sox ace is clearly on the trade market. The Phillies likely would have to part with several top prospects to make a deal work.

The Phillies don’t have much choice but to maintain their spending level, and Middleton said he is open to pushing the payroll into the third tax threshold “for the right player.”

Three spring-training complexes are located within 30 miles of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, including the Phillies' Clearwater facility. The Phillies are scheduled to visit the Rays on May 6-8.