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Phillies Eye Bellinger, Strickland to Boost Roster

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, January 29th 2026 at 8:47 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Pennsylvania, UNITED STATES

Philadelphia, PA - January 29th, 2026 - The Philadelphia Phillies, fresh off a promising 2025 season, are widely expected to add at least two more pieces to their roster before Spring Training, according to projections from Sporting News and analysis across multiple baseball outlets. While the team has already made key moves this offseason, front office personnel appear determined to maximize their championship window, focusing on both offensive firepower and bullpen stability.

The Phillies' 2025 campaign ended in heartbreak, falling short of a World Series appearance despite a strong regular season showing. Team management identified key areas for improvement, specifically a need to consistently generate more runs and solidify the late-game relief pitching. This has directed their free agency focus.

Cody Bellinger: The High-Impact Target

At the top of Philadelphia's wishlist is undoubtedly Cody Bellinger, the versatile outfielder and first baseman. Bellinger's decision to reject a $21.5 million qualifying offer from the Chicago Cubs has made him the most coveted offensive free agent still available. His ability to play multiple positions - center field, left field, and first base - provides manager Rob Thomson with valuable lineup flexibility.

Bellinger's 2025 season saw a significant rebound after a couple of underwhelming years. He demonstrated a return to form, displaying both power and a refined plate approach. He finished the year with a .280 batting average, 30 home runs, and 90 RBIs. Beyond the raw numbers, advanced metrics support his value, highlighting his strong on-base percentage and ability to generate extra-base hits.

However, securing Bellinger's services won't come cheap. Experts predict a contract exceeding $30 million annually, potentially nearing or surpassing $35 million. This price tag represents a considerable investment, but the Phillies believe Bellinger's offensive contributions and defensive versatility would be worth the cost. The team is reportedly prepared to compete with several other contenders, including the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants, for his signature.

The biggest question surrounding Bellinger isn't his talent, but whether he fits the Phillies' long-term financial plan. The team already has significant contracts on the books with players like Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto. Adding another massive deal could limit their flexibility in future offseasons.

Hunter Strickland: A Reliable Bullpen Addition

While Bellinger represents a splashy, high-profile target, the Phillies are also actively pursuing more under-the-radar additions. Hunter Strickland, a veteran reliever coming off a strong season with the Cincinnati Reds, is emerging as a highly likely acquisition.

Strickland, known for his high-velocity fastball and ability to induce ground balls, provides exactly what the Phillies are seeking in a bullpen arm: reliability and experience. In 2025, he posted a 2.83 ERA with 75 strikeouts in 63.2 innings pitched. His ability to pitch in high-leverage situations would be a valuable asset to a Phillies bullpen that struggled with consistency at times last season.

The key appeal of Strickland is his projected price point. Unlike Bellinger, he is not expected to command a massive contract. A deal in the $8-12 million per year range is considered realistic, making him a low-risk, high-reward signing. He'd likely slot in as a setup man for closer Jose Alvarado, further strengthening the back end of the Phillies' bullpen.

What's Next?

Beyond Bellinger and Strickland, the Phillies may also explore options at the infield positions. A reliable backup at shortstop could be a priority if they don't believe their current internal options are sufficient. However, Bellinger and Strickland remain the primary focus.

With Spring Training rapidly approaching, the Phillies are eager to finalize their roster and begin preparations for the 2026 season. The addition of Bellinger would instantly elevate their offensive ceiling, while Strickland would provide a much-needed boost to the bullpen. The next few weeks promise to be crucial for the Phillies as they strive to build a championship-caliber team.