Alec Bohm’s 2026 season was a rollercoaster for the Phillies. After a disastrous April (.151 average, .426 OPS) and off‑field drama involving a lawsuit against his parents, he slumped to the bottom of the lineup. A strong second half lifted his numbers — he hit .298 with a .794 OPS post‑All‑Star break and posted a .327 average in August, even delivering the game‑winning solo homer in Game 2 of the Wild Card series. Still, his full‑season line reads .249/.315/.383, 15 HR, 88 RBI and a meager .698 OPS, earning him a final grade of D. The piece weighs whether Bohm’s modest rebound can justify his future role as the Phillies approach free agency.
The Yankees are weighing a potential five‑year, $180 million deal for Hanshin Tigers third‑baseman Teruaki Sato, who posted a .306 average with 39 homers and a Central League Triple Crown in 2026. Former GM Jim Bowden predicts the price could spark a bidding war with the Red Sox, Phillies and Angels, but the Yankees must assess whether his power and defense will translate to MLB, especially at third base. Including posting fees, the total outlay could exceed $208 million. At 28, Sato could fill New York’s long‑standing third‑base void without sacrificing prospects, yet the risk of reduced production and defensive struggles remains high.
In the second installment of his Mariners coaching deep‑dive, the author turns to NL East prospects while the AL East and NL Central battle in the World Series. He profiles three under‑the‑radar candidates: Phillies third‑base coach Anthony Contreras, a West‑coast native and former IronPigs manager now possibly available after the team hired Carlos Mendoza; Mets director of defense Tucker Frawley, a former Yale assistant known for his analytical approach to infield play; and free‑agent former Mariners infielder Matt Tuiasosopo, whose PNW roots and recent stint as a Braves minor‑league coordinator could make him a hometown fit. Each profile includes age, current role, and a player quote highlighting their coaching style.
Alec Bohm heads into free agency as a puzzling option for teams hunting corner‑infield help. The 30‑year‑old Phillies veteran finished 2026 with his worst season since 2021, posting a first‑half slash of .215/.278/.354 before rebounding to .298/.371/.794 after the All‑Star break, yet he never surpassed 20 home runs in a year. Defensively, Bohm’s value fluctuates—he posted solid OAA numbers in 2024 but regressed to -13 DRS at third base in the last two seasons. With Philadelphia likely reshuffling the lineup and possibly moving Bryce Harper back to first, Bohm could fetch a projected three‑year, $38 million contract, though his inconsistency may curb demand.
The 2026 World Series heads to Game 5 after the Tampa Bay Rays edge the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3, leaving the Brewers with a 3-1 series lead and a chance to clinch their first title tonight at 8:00 ET. In Braves news, right‑hander Hurston Waldrep receives a detailed player review. MLB updates include Twins reliever Jeff Hoffman’s elbow surgery, slated for a 2027 return, and the Phillies hiring Peter Fatse as hitting coach. Fans are invited to predict the Rays’ next result.
The Phillies are busy this offseason, with Randy Arozarena emerging as a top targeting name and the club officially hiring former Red Sox hitting coach Peter Fatse, alongside new assistant coaches. While the team’s spending limits remain uncertain in the post‑CBA era, the moves hint at an aggressive roster overhaul. Other MLB notes include Jim Bowden’s free‑agent contract insights, the Mariners’ managerial candidates, Jeff Hoffman’s elbow surgery recovery ahead of 2027, and the Arizona Fall League hitting its midway point.
Following a postseason loss, MLB insider Jim Salisbury says the Phillies’ next move is likely to be letting free‑agent third‑baseman Alec Bohm walk. After a dip in 2026—hitting .249 with a ‑0.2 WAR—Bohm’s declining value makes him the ‘path of least resistance’ as Philadelphia seeks to free up the $23.15 million qualifying‑offer slot and address bullpen and outfield needs. The team could allocate funds toward a right‑handed outfielder such as Seiya Suzuki or Randy Arozarena, while prospect Aidan Miller, praised by Dave Dombrowski, may fill the third‑base role if healthy. With a projected $337.65 million luxury‑tax payroll for 2027, shedding Bohm could give the Phillies crucial financial flexibility.
The Philadelphia Phillies overhaul their coaching crew as Don Mattingly signs a two‑year contract to manage. On Oct. 28, they appoint Peter Fatse as hitting coach with Joe Cronin and Edwar Gonzalez as assistant hitting coaches, and add former Mets manager Carlos Mendoza as a senior advisor. The new trio will focus on improving plate discipline and run production to push the Phillies back into postseason contention, while Mattingly aims to implement a unified offensive philosophy from spring training onward.
Slugger Seiya Suzuki, the Cubs’ top offensive free agent, posts a .270/.368/.473 slash line, 26 homers and a 131 OPS+ in 2026. The Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays emerge as his two strongest AL East suitors, with the Jays eyeing him to replace departing outfield talent and boost a struggling offense. The Philadelphia Phillies also show interest, needing right‑handed power after a season that ranked 22nd in OPS. Suzuki’s consistent 20‑plus homer production and OPS+ over 125 make him a coveted fit for these clubs.
Philadelphia Phillies manager Don Mattingly is filling out his coaching staff.
Luis Arraez’s brief 2026 stint with the Phillies sparked a strong August run (21‑7) and a .278 average over 176 at‑bats before a September ankle sprain ended his season. While he hit .323 at Citizens Bank Park and boasts a .316 career average, his low walk rate and sub‑par defense (‑4 DRS at second base) raise questions about long‑term value. Phillies president Dave Dombrowski says the club likes Arraez, but roster fit, especially at second base amid Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and potential Trea Turner moves, will be crucial. With a market value of roughly $54 million over three years, any 2027 deal is likely short‑term.
The Phillies will appoint former Red Sox assistant hitting coach Peter Fatse as their new hitting coach, replacing Kevin Long, who was dismissed in early October. Fatse, 39, played briefly in the Brewers' system before moving into coaching, rising from a Twins minor‑league role in 2019 to the Red Sox’s hitting coach in 2021. After Boston’s 2026 staff overhaul, he joins a Phillies club that barely made the playoffs, with only Schwarber and Harper posting wRC+ above 102. The hiring ties back to president Dave Dombrowski’s connections with former Sox staff and could signal a fresh offensive direction for Philadelphia.
The Good Phight’s 2026 Phillies report card gives outfielder Steward Berroa a D. After joining Philadelphia from Milwaukee in early June, Berroa appeared in just six MLB games, going 0‑4 with a single RBI and a .143 line, while spending most of the season in Triple‑A Lehigh Valley where he hit .251 with five homers, a .363 OBP and 15 steals. The piece notes his solid speed and defensive skills but doubts his long‑term major‑league viability, suggesting he may remain a “Quad‑A” player next season.
The Philadelphia Phillies hired a former Minnesota Twins minor league coach as their new hitting coach.
The Philadelphia Phillies announce Peter Fatse as their 2027 hitting coach, replacing Bobby Dickerson after the 2026 postseason exit. Fatse, 39, spent 2022‑April 2026 as the Boston Red Sox hitting coach, guiding the club to Top‑10 finishes in batting average and runs before being dismissed in a staff overhaul. He briefly served as a hitting consultant for the Tampa Bay Rays and now joins Don Mattingly’s staff. The move, reported by The Athletic, aims to revamp the Phillies’ offense ahead of a potential MLB lockout.
The Good Phight breaks down key offseason moves for the Philadelphia Phillies, spotlighting Aidan Miller’s strong showing in the Arizona Fall League and evaluating which prospects could reinforce the bullpen in 2027. It also explores Tim Mayza’s financial motivations for re‑signing, notes Alex Cora’s unlikely fit as Phillies manager, and covers broader MLB news: experimental outfield‑shift rules in the AFL, Francisco Lindor earning the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award, and Rocco Baldelli exiting the Mariners’ manager hunt.
Dave Dombrowski, president of the Phillies, speaks out after a disappointing 2026 season. He reiterates that Bryce Harper’s 2025‑26 performance (WAR 3.1 each year, OPS+ up to 131) still needs more rest, while planning to give Kyle Schwarber at least 30 games at first base in 2027 to boost his fantasy value. Dombrowski also bluntly critiques Trea Turner’s defensive work at shortstop, saying improvement is mandatory, and suggests alternating him with Brandon Marsh in left field against left‑handed pitching. He praises the healthy Aidan Miller now playing in the Arizona Fall League. The interview highlights roster tweaks the Phillies hope will turn the tide before the 2027 season.
The Phillies’ 2026 season ended in a Wild Card loss to the Braves, marking the third straight year without a playoff series win. Despite a roster stacked with big contracts—Trea Turner ($190.9 M through 2033), Bryce Harper ($118 M through 2031), Aaron Nola ($98.3 M through 2030) and others—the team struggled offensively, ranking 19th in runs and 22nd in OPS. Manager Don Mattingly, hired mid‑season, earned a two‑year extension, while hitting coach Kevin Long and infield coach Bobby Dickerson were let go. New hires include hitting coach Peter Fatse and infield coach Carlos Mendoza. Arbitration‑eligible players like Garrett Stubbs and Brandon Marsh face modest raises, and free‑agents such as Luis Arraez and Alec Bohm are on the roster’s radar as the Phillies weigh how to balance a top‑heavy payroll with on‑field performance.
The Philadelphia Phillies have appointed Peter Fatse as their new hitting coach, replacing Kevin Long. Fatse, 39, previously served as Boston Red Sox hitting coach (2022‑2023) and most recently worked as a hitting consultant for the Tampa Bay Rays’ research and development department. His hiring follows the Red Sox staff shake‑up that included Alex Cora’s dismissal and aligns with Phillies manager Don Mattingly’s recent promotion to permanent manager after a 79‑55 playoff season. The move rekindles speculation about Alex Cora’s future with Philadelphia, as the organization previously pursued him twice this offseason.
Philly already struck out on Alex Cora, but that won't stop Dave Dombrowski from trying again.
The Phillies have appointed former Red Sox hitting coach Peter Fatse as their new hitting instructor, according to The Athletic’s Charlotte Varnes. Fatse began as the Twins’ hitting coordinator in 2019, joined Boston thereafter, and served as Red Sox hitting coach from 2022 until the staff overhaul in April 2026. During his tenure, Boston ranked 14th in wRC+, with highlights like Tyler O’Neill’s career‑best .847 OPS in 2023 and Ceddanne Rafaela’s emergence. The hire also ties him to Alex Cora, who recently declined the Phillies’ managerial overtures.
After reportedly turning down two offers to become the manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, former Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora is still open to returning to the dugout in 2027.
The Phillies’ bullpen struggled in 2026, prompting a search for internal help. Reliever Alex McFarlane shone late in the season, posting a 2.84 ERA over 19 innings with a 100‑mph fastball. The club also has three Rule‑5‑eligible arms to protect: starter Braydon Tucker and relievers Wen‑Hui Pan (3.00 ERA, 24.4% K%) and Mavis Graves (0.96 ERA in 18.2 innings after a role switch). Meanwhile, the 2026 draft added college relievers Devin Sheerin (4.78 ERA, 100‑mph heater) and Drew Titsworth (3.31 ERA in relief). These prospects could provide the Phillies with cheap, home‑grown bullpen depth next season.
The Good Phight reviews Jose Urquidy’s surprise impact on the Phillies’ late‑season stretch. Picked up off waivers in September, Urquidy logged two appearances (including a 4 2/3‑inning, six‑strikeout, shutout start against the Mets on Sept. 18) that helped the beleaguered staff and contributed enough WAR to rank in the team’s top ten. While his only scheduled start faltered, the pitcher earned a solid B grade for delivering critical innings when the club needed them. The piece notes his uncertain future with Philadelphia beyond 2026.
The Braves gave 32‑year‑old right‑hander Joel Payamps a guaranteed $2.25 million, one‑year deal for 2026, but he lasted barely a month. Acquired off waivers after a journeyman stint with multiple clubs, Payamps entered the season with a career 2.2 fWAR and solid 2023 numbers, yet his 2026 performance was disastrous: 12 appearances, 7 2/3 innings, a -0.1 fWAR, -0.58 WPA and a 19.6/13.8/11.6 line. After a lone successful outing on April 24 against the Phillies, four meltdowns led Atlanta to DFA him on May 1. The article dissects his shaky command, prior breakout with Milwaukee, and why the Braves’ gamble fell flat.