There’s a saying in the construction business. The first 90% of a job takes 90% of the effort, and the last 10% of a job takes 90% of the effort. That feels like where the Phillies are at right now. It took them 10 years to build a roster capable of winning a World Series.

The Philadelphia Phillies suffered quite a postseason collapse after having one of their most successful regular seasons in years. Which players (and coaches) don't deserve to be back in 2025?

And knowing Middleton and his desperate desire to bring another title to Philly, he might make a "stupid trade," after spending "stupid money" on a spree that brought Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Castellanos, Trea Turner and others to Philadelphia.

Dave and the front office have done a great job,” manager Rob Thomson said. “We just haven’t gotten it done. I haven’t gotten it done.” Not yet, anyway.

The Philadelphia Phillies blew a golden opportunity to win their first World Series in over a decade this past season. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski thinks the team he built has enough good players.

I still like our group, our core group of guys, going into next year," he says of the relievers. It is unlikely, though, that both Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estevez will return.