Which Phillies Return Next Year? Rollins Weighs In, Kerkering Consoled

The Philadelphia Phillies’ 2024 season ended in Los Angeles. A tense NL Division Series against the Dodgers slipped away in the 11th inning.

Rookie reliever Orion Kerkering threw wide to first, letting the decisive run score. That error sealed the Phillies’ fate and marked their third straight gut-punch exit from October baseball.

Now, the organization stares down a winter full of questions about the roster, leadership, and the future of key players. As the dust settles on another “Red October” heartbreak, voices from around the baseball world—like Hall of Famers Pedro Martinez and Jimmy Rollins—are weighing in on what’s next.

Costly Mistake Ends Phillies’ Season

The Phillies lost 2-1 to the Dodgers in extra innings. Kerkering’s misfire with the bases loaded ended it, but veteran analysts defended the rookie, pointing to his raw talent and room to grow.

This wasn’t just about one bad throw. The moment seemed to reflect some deeper issues that have haunted the Phillies over the last three postseasons.

Pedro Martinez’s Perspective on Fundamentals

Pedro Martinez didn’t hold back. He called out what he sees as a lack of baseball fundamentals across the Phillies roster.

Martinez stressed the importance of anticipation and attention to detail, saying these mental skills matter just as much as physical ones. He told fans not to pin it all on Kerkering—these are the kinds of moments that shape young pitchers.

Has the Phillies’ Core Reached Its Limit?

While Martinez focused on the basics, Jimmy Rollins took a hard look at the team’s makeup. The former MVP suggested this core group might be nearing its natural end.

Rollins thinks financial realities will probably force the club to say goodbye to at least a couple of their high-profile free agents: Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, and Ranger Suárez. If he’s right, the Phillies could see big changes this winter.

Closing One Window, Opening Another

Rollins didn’t sound entirely pessimistic. He believes the franchise can keep competing with smart moves and a fresh approach.

His comments hint at a transition—Philadelphia needs to shed expensive contracts and add players who bring versatility and solid fundamentals. That’s easier said than done, but you sense Rollins thinks it’s possible.

Postseason Struggles Raise Bigger Questions

The Phillies have now lost eight of their last ten postseason games. That’s raising serious doubts about the roster and the strategies manager Rob Thomson leaned on.

Back-to-back playoff exits before the NLCS are testing fans’ patience and the front office’s resolve. Nobody’s pretending the answers are obvious.

Manager Rob Thomson’s Future

NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Sean Kane acknowledged Thomson’s leadership but guessed there’s a 30% chance he could be replaced. That’s the business side of baseball—results matter more than relationships.

Club president Dave Dombrowski will make the final call. Thomson’s strong rapport with players adds a layer of complication to the decision.

Bryce Harper’s Support vs. Organizational Reality

Star slugger Bryce Harper publicly backed Thomson, saying the players love playing for him. But Harper also admitted that sentiment alone won’t keep anyone safe.

The organization will make decisions with one goal: breaking the cycle of October heartbreaks. Something’s got to give, right?

What Must Happen This Offseason

To bounce back, the Phillies need to tackle some big issues:

• Sharpen defensive fundamentals to avoid more postseason mistakes.
• Take a hard look at the core and decide which veterans still have something left.
• Settle the manager question—either stick with Thomson or make a clean break.
• Balance the budget but stay aggressive in free agency and trades.

The challenges are steep, but there’s also real opportunity to reshape the team’s identity. October isn’t just about talent—it’s about mental sharpness and, frankly, not blinking when it matters most.

Final Thoughts

The Phillies’ exit at Dodger Stadium stung. Some fans might call it a turning point, though it’s tough to say for sure.

Veteran players have started asking for sharper fundamentals and better roster choices. Philadelphia’s offseason could get interesting, with a lot riding on what the front office decides to do.

Will they stick with the same leaders, or shake things up? Either way, the organization has to figure out how to turn October heartbreak into something better next time.

The city’s hungry for a return to the Fall Classic. Honestly, anything less just won’t cut it.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Which Phillies will be back next year? Jimmy Rollins weighs in and a Hall of Famer consoles Orion Kerkering.