5 takeaways from Dombrowski, Thomson end-of-season Phillies presser originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Fall air, empty seats at Citizens Bank Park and one final media session. Dave Dombrowski and Rob Thomson met with reporters Thursday to reflect on the Phillies’ 96-win NLDS-exit season and preview an offseason of evaluation and adjustment.
The Phillies don’t sound like a team planning an overhaul. A bench coach will be hired. The outfield will have a new look. Bryce Harper is locked in at first, J.T. Realmuto’s value still resonates, and a wave of young talent is nearing the doorstep.
The message from both Dombrowski and Thomson? Their belief in this roster hasn’t wavered — but the focus now is on taking the next step to make a deep October run in 2026.
Here are five key takeaways from their remarks.
1. After Phils commit to Thomson, a new bench coach is coming as continuity remains crucial
Just two days after the Phillies extended Rob Thomson through 2026, Dombrowski emphasized that stability remains one of the club’s greatest strengths. “We believe in Rob and his staff,” he said. “They’ve helped establish a winning culture here.”
Still, one change is on the way. Mike Calitri will transition into a new role — Major League field coordinator — and the team will look externally for a new bench coach.
“It was Dave’s idea,” Thomson said. “But I thought it was a good one — another set of eyes, a different perspective.”
Beyond that, the infrastructure remains intact — a signal that both the front office and clubhouse trust the same core group that’s guided the Phillies to four straight postseason appearances.
2. The outfield and the youth could shape the offseason
For the second straight winter, Dombrowski pointed to the outfield as a possible area of change. With Harrison Bader’s mutual option, the possibility of a Nick Castellanos trade and Max Kepler’s free agency, the club could blend veteran stability with younger energy.
“Our infield is pretty well solidified,” Dombrowski said. “The outfield is a logical area that you would look at.”
Thomson agreed that some balance might be needed offensively too. “We’re awfully left-handed,” he admitted.
With lefty-swinging Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger among the headline free-agent outfielders, Philadelphia may instead lean on its in-house youth — including right-handed utility man Otto Kemp.
“I really liked the at-bats. He uses the entire field. He’s got a lot of thump,” Thomson said of Kemp. “He’s grounded — mentally and emotionally. I like him being an everyday player.”
Dombrowski also mentioned top prospects Justin Crawford, Andrew Painter and Aidan Miller as possible spring contributors — though not all will be Opening Day ready. Thomson echoed that enthusiasm: “I love young players because they bring energy — and the fan base loves watching them have success.”
3. Bryce Harper’s position is settled but he awaits a bounce-back 2026
After two seasons at first base, there’s no question where Harper will play. “Bryce is a first baseman at this time,” Dombrowski said. “And he’s a really good first baseman.”
Harper, however, wasn’t quite himself offensively. He hit .268 with 27 home runs — solid by most standards but not quite his MVP self. Thomson believes that’s about to change.
“I think he’s highly motivated to have the best season of his career next year,” Thomson said. “I just want him to be himself and not try to do too much … and really focus on hitting the ball the other way.”
The Phillies seem confident Harper’s third full year post–Tommy John surgery will bring out the best version of him that we’ve seen in a while.
4. The importance of J.T. Realmuto remains clear
Both Dombrowski and Thomson praised Realmuto’s leadership and preparation — a reminder of how valued the veteran catcher is as he enters free agency.
“He’s the most prepared catcher I’ve ever been around,” Thomson said.
At the same time, Thomson made a point to highlight Rafael Marchán, who impressed in limited work behind the plate. “Unbelievable … that’s one of the toughest jobs you can have, and he did a phenomenal job.”
Marchán tallied 22 hits in his limited plate appearances, but Phillies fans will long remember his three-run, go-ahead homer at Dodger Stadium in September to help Philadelphia win the regular-season series against L.A.
With Realmuto in free agency and the importance of his role handling the Phils’ rotation, the organization faces a significant decision: whether to bring back the catcher who’s started 685 games over seven seasons in red pinstripes.
5. No panic, just perspective after another postseason exit
Dombrowski and Thomson didn’t sound like they were searching for a reset button. Their tone was actually quite steady.
“We won 96 games and fought the Dodgers tooth and nail,” Thomson said. “That series could’ve gone either way. I liked our at-bats a lot better than last postseason.”
Dombrowski echoing that same sentiment, “It’s a fine line,” he said. “A pitch missing by a couple inches that gives up a three-run homer … a missed call the umpire apologized for immediately.”
The Phillies’ October run also came without Zack Wheeler, sidelined by a season-ending blood clot, showing how difficult it is to win without one of baseball’s most reliable arms.
The pain was evident, but the newly extended Phillies skipper emphasized moving on to the next challenge. “Every time we get knocked out, it hurts to the core,” Thomson said. “I’ll wear this until the first day of spring training — then I’ve got to turn the page.”
