In a candid admission, Philadelphia Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski urged his team to be more aggressive in the pursuit of a World Series championship, acknowledging that the organization could have taken additional steps to improve the roster this offseason. While the Phillies made notable moves in recent seasons—such as signing Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos—Dombrowski’s latest comments signal that the team may still be short of the necessary roster depth to make a sustained championship run.
“We could have done a little more,” Dombrowski remarked, suggesting a level of dissatisfaction with the current roster construction. Although the Phillies were able to strengthen their lineup with power-hitting acquisitions in recent years, Dombrowski’s statement underscores the organization’s commitment to doing whatever it takes to ensure they are ready to compete for a title, especially after their surprising but ultimately unsuccessful 2022 World Series appearance.
The 2022 season was a turning point for the Phillies, as they made their first postseason appearance since 2011 and advanced all the way to the World Series. Their underdog run captured the hearts of fans across the country, but the Houston Astros proved too formidable, and the Phillies fell short in the Fall Classic. The near-miss only heightened the sense of urgency around the team, with many believing that the window to compete for a championship is now wide open.
However, despite the success in reaching the World Series, the franchise has been hesitant to rest on its laurels. Dombrowski’s comments indicate that he believes the team could have made more impactful moves to close the gap between themselves and other National League powerhouses. Whether through adding another high-profile bat, bolstering the pitching staff, or improving roster depth, Dombrowski’s admission signals that the team’s work is far from done.
Dombrowski has earned a reputation for taking bold, decisive action, often making high-stakes trades or signing marquee players to improve his team’s chances of winning. His track record of building championship teams is undeniable—most notably with the 2018 Boston Red Sox, where his acquisitions helped deliver a World Series title. Now, in his third year with the Phillies, he is facing the challenge of replicating that success in Philadelphia.
In his tenure so far, Dombrowski has reshaped the Phillies’ roster with several big moves, most notably the signings of Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos in 2022. These players helped to inject power into a lineup that had previously struggled to score runs consistently. However, with the NL East becoming increasingly competitive, Dombrowski recognizes that further adjustments may be needed.
While Dombrowski’s comments might raise some eyebrows, they also signal that the Phillies aren’t resting on their success in the postseason. The front office is likely evaluating all possible options to make the team even more formidable. With an offense that already features stars like Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, and Trea Turner (acquired in the 2023 offseason), strengthening the pitching staff or adding more depth to the roster could be Dombrowski’s next big move.
The Phillies’ pitching rotation, headlined by Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, and Ranger Suárez, is among the best in the National League. However, Dombrowski may still be looking to add another reliable arm to ensure the team has the depth needed for a deep playoff run. There are also questions surrounding the team’s bullpen, which has seen mixed results in recent years. The acquisition of a veteran reliever or more depth in that area could be another area for improvement.
While Dombrowski has been aggressive in his pursuit of immediate success, he has also shown a commitment to building a sustainable, long-term contender. In addition to making short-term roster moves, he has worked to develop the team’s farm system, which could provide future stars to complement the existing core. The success of the Phillies’ minor league system will be vital in ensuring that the team continues to compete at a high level for years to come, and Dombrowski’s efforts in this area have already begun to show dividends.
However, Dombrowski’s recent remarks about “doing a little more” reflect a tension between the team’s short-term goals and the long-term vision. The pursuit of immediate upgrades—whether through trade or free agency—suggests that the front office remains focused on bringing a championship to Philadelphia sooner rather than later.
Dombrowski’s remarks are likely to fuel discussions among the Phillies’ fanbase, which has been hungry for a championship for over a decade. The team’s unexpected success in 2022 reinvigorated the city’s passion for baseball, and fans are eager to see the front office continue to build on that momentum. Dombrowski’s call for further improvements may resonate with supporters who want to see the team go all-in for a World Series title.
The pressure is on Dombrowski and the rest of the front office to deliver a roster that not only competes in a tough NL East division but also matches up against the league’s best teams in the postseason. As Dombrowski’s comments suggest, the organization is not content with just being a playoff team—it wants to be a championship contender year in and year out.
Dave Dombrowski’s comments about the Phillies “doing a little more” provide a clear indication of the team’s mindset heading into the 2023 season. While the team has made significant strides in recent years, there is still work to be done to ensure the Phillies can take that next step and win a World Series. With Dombrowski at the helm, the franchise can be expected to remain aggressive in its pursuit of a championship, making the necessary moves to stay competitive and continue building a sustainable winner for the future.
As the offseason continues, Phillies fans can only wait and hope that the front office takes the steps necessary to give the team the best possible chance at finally ending the city’s 13-year championship drought.
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