The Philadelphia Phillies face an offseason grade controversy—did they deserve only a C+ after re-signing Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto? Connor Thomas makes a compelling case for a higher mark, spotlighting the urgency of maintaining a 96-win roster and the undervalued impact of key additions like Brad Keller and Adolis García. Can “running it back” actually fuel another deep playoff push for the Phillies, despite calls for dramatic change?

Pitching takes center stage as Connor Thomas scrutinizes Jesús Luzardo’s 2026 outlook, arguing he’s a prime regression candidate due to workload concerns and past injuries. Insight into Daniel Robert’s return on a minor league deal reveals the Phillies’ evolving bullpen strategy and organizational depth. With spring training just days away, questions linger: will the team’s continuity be enough to contend in the NL East, or does a quiet offseason spell trouble ahead?

00:00 – Phillies Offseason Grade Debate
Connor Thomas reacts to Jim Bowden's C+ grade for the Phillies offseason, discusses main moves (Schwarber & Realmuto re-signings, Brad Keller, Adolis Garcia), and explains why he believes the grade is unfairly low.

12:15 – 2026 Jesus Luzardo Preview
Detailed analysis of Jesus Luzardo heading into 2026: durability worries, past performance inconsistencies, regression risk, and expectations for the Phillies rotation.

23:43 – Daniel Robert Minor League Deal
Evaluation of the Daniel Robert minor league signing—what it signals about bullpen depth, expectations for the Phillies' roster stability, and why organizational depth moves matter before spring training.

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Philadelphia Phillies fans question the missed opportunity with Eugenio Suarez, but did his defensive woes and positional fit make him a nonstarter for Citizens Bank Park? Connor Thomas evaluates why Suarez’s power bat never aligned with the team’s roster priorities, and how existing contracts for Alec Bohm and Nick Castellanos complicate mid-offseason moves.

Connor projects Cristopher Sanchez’s upcoming season after his Cy Young runner-up campaign, analyzing his rising velocity, innings durability, and the Phillies’ pitching depth. The episode spotlights Justin Crawford’s outfield development, citing new insights from The Athletic and mentorship with Gold Glove winner Eric Davis. Key talking points include the Phillies’ defensive scheme, potential trade hurdles, and Crawford’s readiness for center field. Is this the lineup that will fuel a playoff push, or are further adjustments needed before Opening Day?

0:00 – Suarez to Reds: Phillies Fit?
Connor Thomas opens the show discussing Eugenio Suarez signing with the Cincinnati Reds and analyzes why Suarez wouldn’t have worked for the Phillies, including roster and defensive limitations and contract logistics.

11:08 – Cristopher Sanchez Season Preview
Connor Thomas breaks down why Cristopher Sanchez is poised for another strong year in the Phillies rotation, detailing his performance metrics, development, and projections for the upcoming season.

23:19 – Justin Crawford Center Field Development
Connor Thomas covers insights from a recent Athletic article about Justin Crawford’s offseason work with Eric Davis, evaluating whether Crawford is ready to play center field and what the organization is watching for.

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The Philadelphia Phillies explore pitching depth as free agency options dwindle. Could a veteran ace like Justin Verlander or Max Scherzer join the rotation, or is Chris Bassitt the underrated fit the team needs for Opening Day stability?

Connor Thomas assesses the Phillies' thin starting rotation, roster decisions, and new utility infielder Dylan Moore’s potential impact. He spotlights key spring training storylines, including Andrew Painter’s return, Justin Crawford’s readiness for center field, and Bryce Harper’s quest for resurgence. With questions swirling about the team’s health and readiness for another postseason push, Locked On Phillies gears up for a five-episode week just as the action at Clearwater heats up.

0:00 – Phillies’ Starter Options
Connor Thomas explores the Phillies’ current rotation depth concerns, reviews why a depth starting pitcher is needed, and breaks down notable remaining free agent options—highlighting pros and cons of big names like Chris Bassitt, Justin Verlander, and others.

11:53 – Dylan Moore Signing & Offseason Moves
Shift in discussion to the recent signing of Dylan Moore on a minor league deal, exploring his fit and the significance (or lack thereof) of these depth transactions at this point in the offseason.

21:34 – Spring Training Storylines
Connor Thomas outlines key topics to watch as spring training approaches: how Justin Crawford fits in center field, Andrew Painter’s potential impact (and health), expectations for Bryce Harper, and other quick notes for camp intrigue.

Everydayer Club
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Philadelphia Phillies fans react passionately as Harrison Bader signs a two-year deal with the San Francisco Giants—is this a missed opportunity or justified restraint? Connor Thomas breaks down why Phillies management opted not to re-sign Bader and questions the fanbase’s expectations, analyzing Bader’s career numbers and the team’s logic behind trusting prospect Justin Crawford for center field. With the outfield set for a shakeup and Dave Dombrowski’s decisions scrutinized, are emotions clouding Phillies fans’ judgment?

Key topics include Keith Law’s new Top 100 MLB Prospects list featuring Aidan Miller, Andrew Painter, Justin Crawford, and Aroon Escobar, plus how these rising stars may impact the Phillies’ roster and future trade strategy. The episode also addresses the diminishing excitement for spring training as the Phillies enter camp with few position battles and a veteran-heavy lineup. Can the Phillies inject fresh energy, or is consistency the path to October glory?

0:00 – Harrison Bader Giants Reaction
Connor Thomas breaks down Harrison Bader signing with the San Francisco Giants, addresses why Phillies fans are overreacting, and explains the front office’s rationale for not re-signing him.

12:31 – Phillies Top Prospects Ranking
Deep dive into Keith Law's Top 100 Prospects list: discussion on the four Phillies featured (Aidan Miller, Andrew Painter, Justin Crawford, Aroon Escobar, their MLB projections, and how the farm system impacts future moves.

24:00 – Spring Training Excitement
Honest reflection on why the typical excitement for Phillies spring training is lacking this year, with a look at the set roster, lack of position battles, and veteran team stability.

Everydayer Club
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The Philadelphia Phillies spark debate as their 2026 roster outshines last season’s NL East champs. Is a World Series run closer than fans think? Connor Thomas argues the upgraded bullpen and renewed potential in players like Bryce Harper and Alec Bohm position the team for greater success, balanced by regression concerns for pitchers such as Andrew Painter and Jesús Luzardo.

Breaking down the Mets’ blockbuster acquisition of Freddy Peralta and recent signings including Bo Bichette, the episode analyzes fierce NL East rivalry dynamics with the Braves and Mets gaining ground. Highlights include a fan poll on Phillies legends Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Cole Hamels, and Bobby Abreu, plus discussion on Hall of Fame snubs and what it means for Philadelphia’s baseball legacy. Will the Phillies’ improved talent be enough to reclaim the division crown and match championship ambitions?

0:00 – Phillies Roster Comparison

Connor Thomas breaks down why the 2026 Philadelphia Phillies roster is better than the 2025 version, analyzing bullpen, starting rotation, and position players.

14:08 – Mets & Braves NL East Threat

Discussion shifts to the New York Mets’ acquisition of Freddy Peralta, off-season moves for top NL East contenders, and what that means for the Phillies’ division chances.

22:20 – Phillies Legends: Hall of Fame Debate

Connor Thomas reviews Hall of Fame voting results for Phillies legends Utley, Rollins, Abreu, and Hamels, shares fan poll results, and offers personal take on their legacies.

Everydayer Club
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