The Philadelphia Phillies are still carrying the sting of a devastating finish to their 2025 season, which came to an abrupt and painful end in Los Angeles.
A play that should have resulted in a routine out instead unraveled into a costly mistake when reliever Orion Kerkering’s throw sailed into the backstop. That single moment shifted the outcome and became one of the most difficult experiences of Kerkering’s young career. Even months later, the memory lingers, and Kerkering has openly acknowledged that it may never completely disappear.
Speaking with The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, Kerkering reflected on the lasting emotional weight of the play. He explained that the more he dwells on it, the heavier it feels, describing it as something that will likely stay with him for the rest of his life. While the moment was heartbreaking, it has also become part of the Phillies’ broader motivation heading into the next season.
During the offseason, Philadelphia focused on maintaining the core of a team that has remained among the National League’s elite. The front office successfully brought back key contributors Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto, ensuring stability in the middle of the lineup and behind the plate. However, the Phillies did come up short in one major pursuit. Shortstop Bo Bichette, who at one point seemed destined for Philadelphia, ultimately signed elsewhere. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski admitted that missing out on Bichette was particularly painful, noting how close the sides were to reaching an agreement before the deal fell apart at the last moment.
Despite that disappointment, the Phillies still have options to bolster their roster. One intriguing possibility is veteran pitcher Max Scherzer, whose addition could significantly upgrade the pitching staff. Scherzer has reportedly made it clear that he wants to pitch only for a legitimate World Series contender and is willing to delay his decision until after Spring Training. At 41 years old, conserving his workload is a priority, and saving his best efforts for the postseason makes sense.
According to FanSided’s Chris Landers, Philadelphia fits the profile of a team Scherzer might consider. The Phillies are once again expected to contend near the top of the National League, but questions remain about their rotation depth. Zack Wheeler is working his way back from injury, top prospect Andrew Painter has yet to fully establish himself at the major-league level, and Taijuan Walker remains a variable. With Wheeler projected to miss time at the start of the season, adding a proven arm like Scherzer could be a game-changer.
If Philadelphia were able to land Scherzer, it would not only strengthen the rotation but also add a respected veteran presence to the clubhouse. The Phillies have their sights set on a third consecutive NL East title, and a move of this caliber could help them separate themselves from divisional rivals. In a competitive National League, the combination of experience, depth, and resilience might be exactly what Philadelphia needs to turn last season’s heartbreak into a championship push.
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