Phillies

Key Points from Dave Dombrowski and Rob Thomson’s End of Season Press Conference

By Luke Arcaini

Published: Oct 15th, 2024 · 1:01 PM EDT

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Dave Dombrowski and Rob Thomson spoke to the media Tuesday at their end of the season press conference. Here’s everything you need to know:

Rob Thomson extended

Dave Dombrowski announced right away that Rob Thomson has been extended through the 2026 season. Dombrowski also announced that all coaches will return in 2025.

5th starter in 2025

Dombrowski said Taijuan Walker is not locked into the 5th starter role in 2025. He’ll have to earn his spot in Spring Training in March. Dombrowski said they’re excited for Andrew Painter, but they’ll have to be careful with him.

Trea Turner

Dombrowski said that Trea Turner will remain at shortstop in 2025. They aren’t considering a position change.

outfield moving forward

Dombrowski seems pretty high on Brandon Marsh. As far as Johan Rojas, they have an offseason plan for him down in Clearwater to work on his offensive game. Dombrowski declined to name Rojas the starting centerfielder in 2025.

Dave Dombrowski said they have an offseason plan for Johan Rojas down in Clearwater to work on his hitting. He declined to name Rojas their centerfielder in 2025.

— Luke Arcaini (@ArcainiLuke) October 15, 2024

star players

Dombrowski said he doesn’t think this team “needs” to add star players, but he didn’t completely shoot it down. He mentioned that this team has more “stars” than any team in baseball.

plate approach

It’s no surprise that the Phillies have a chase issue, and Dombrowski knows that. He said the team will have to evaluate their approach in the offseason, but still backed this offense and their capability to play good baseball.

Thomson emphasized that the Phillies have to use the entire field. He knows that will help the chase rate, which was a glaring issue.

Bryce Harper’s health

Rob Thomson said that Bryce Harper is fine. His wrist was obviously hurting throughout the second half, but it’s nothing that will require scans or any procedures. He believes it really just needs rest.

J.T. Realmuto

Dave Dombrowski and Rob Thomson both stressed the importance of getting J.T. Realmuto more rest in 2025. It was obvious the catcher was burnt out at the end of the season. Both emphasized that they don’t know who that backup will be, but they will put J.T. in a good position to succeed.

the trade deadline

Alex Coffey at the Inquirer:

Here is what Dave Dombrowski said when asked how he’d assess the moves they made at the trade deadline this year: pic.twitter.com/OUHHPmakjR

— Alex Coffey (@byalexcoffey) October 15, 2024

lineup construction in 2025

Rob Thomson was asked about Kyle Schwarber’s production this season. Thomson said they have won a lot of games with Schwarber in the leadoff spot, but they’ll go through lineup construction this offseason and figure out what’s best for the team moving forward.

final thoughts

It’s pretty obvious that Dave Dombrowski didn’t show many of his cards, if any. I won’t believe the star comment until I see it. This team has shown that they are willing to spend the money to win.

As far as Thomson, he earned the extension. This postseason wasn’t a coaching issue… it was a player issue.