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November 24 - Mercado Returns: The Phillies brought back Michael Mercado (rhp), non-tendered three days earlier, on a minor league contract.
December 9 - Topper Extended: With rumors swirling Kyle Schwarber was about to re-sign with the Phillies, the team announced manager Rob Thomson's contract had been extended through the 2027 season. Also happening in the background are ongoing talks with Don Mattingly to join Thomson's staff in 2026 as the Phillies' new bench coach.
December 9 - SCHWARB: On my way to a work function on Tuesday morning, I received a one-word text from our oldest son Doug: "SCHWARB." I had to wait until I wasn't driving to better understand the context, but I was excited to read the reports that Schwarber (dh) would be coming back to the Phillies on a five-year deal. It was made official later that night, with the Phillies bringing back the popular slugger and clubhouse leader on a five-year deal, worth $150 million. I'm thrilled with this, and I'm also quick to point out to those few balking at the dollars involved that it's not my money, and even if Schwarber is productive for three of the next five years, it's worth it.
December 10 - Rule 5 Draft / Trade with Rays: As the Winter Meetings came to a close, there were a flurry of activities around the annual rule 5 draft. The Phillies added a pitcher but lost a former top prospect. Griff McGarry (rhp) was selected by the Washington Nationals and the Phillies picked up Zach McCambley (rhp) from the Miami Marlins. In 47 relief appearances last year between Double and Triple-A, McCambley was 2-3 with a 2.90 ERA in 62 innings pitched.
In the minor league portion of the draft, the Phillies lost Carson Taylor (1b) to the Mariners, but picked up Even Gates (rhp) from the Giants, and Austin Murr (of) from the Tigers.
In a separate deal, the Phillies acquired Yoniel Curet (rhp) from the Tampa Bay Rays for minor league prospect Tommy McCollum (rhp). Curet was a combined 3-3 with a 3.90 ERA in 16 appearances, including 14 starts, at three minor league levels in 2025. The Phillies 40-man roster now stands at 35 players.
December 11 - Doug Turns 19: Speaking of our oldest son, he spent his 19th birthday with friends and a surprise visit from his girlfriend on the campus of Villanova University. He continues to make us extremely proud, and we can't wait to have him home for almost a month over the winter break. I'll probably stop making these annual custom cards for him at some point, but this photo from his final home high school baseball game was too good not to turn into a baseball card. I posted back in May with some thoughts on his Senior Night, one of the true highlights of the year.
